Automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

An automated transaction machine can operate to carry out a financial transaction for a machine user responsive to communication with a financial transaction host computer. The machine includes a card reader that can read a user identifier from a magnetic stripe of a user card. The machine sends the read user identifier to a remote marketing computer. The marketing computer uses a user identifier to determine the next marketing presentation to be presented to a machine user corresponding to the user identifier. Responsive to a message received from the marketing computer, the machine operates to display the determined next marketing presentation to the machine user. A marketing campaign includes a sequence of presentations to be output in a predetermined order to a machine user. Machine communication with the remote marketing message computer is independent of machine communication with the transaction host computer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/985,035 filed Nov. 13, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,192, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/330,796 filed Dec.27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,295,993, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/449,426 filed Nov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.7,039,600, which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.provisional application 60/110,125 filed Nov. 27, 1998, and thedisclosures of each of these applications are herein incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to apparatus systems controlled by data bearingrecords, which may be classified in U.S. class 235, subclass 375. In anexemplary embodiment, a system includes an automated banking machinethat operates responsive to data read from user cards through operationof a particular card reader.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Automated transaction machines are known in the prior art. A common typeof automated transaction machine is an automated teller machine (ATM).ATMs are commonly used by consumers to conduct financial transactions.Transactions commonly conducted at ATMs include dispensing cash, makingdeposits, transferring funds between accounts, check cashing, billpayment and account balance inquiries. Other types of transactions maybe carried out on an automated basis at ATMs depending on the particulartransaction function devices included in the machine.

Other types of automated transaction machines may also be used forcarrying out financial transactions of other types. For example,automated transaction machines may be used for dispensing tickets,dispensing and receiving gaming materials, issuing scrip, issuing orredeeming vouchers or other items, as well as other types oftransactions. For purposes of this disclosure, an automated transactionmachine will be considered as any machine that is used to conducttransactions that involve transfers of value. For purposes of thisdisclosure a financial transaction will include any transaction thatinvolves a transfer of value. Although the description of the inventionherein will be made with reference to an ATM, it should be understoodthat the principles of the invention are equally applicable to manytypes of automated transaction machines.

Automated teller machines which are conventionally deployed today areprogrammed to execute a series of steps. The steps generally includecommunication with a remote host computer to carry out bankingtransactions. ATMs generally include a display screen or other userinterface for instructing users in the operation of the machine. Theprogramming of the machine is such that each user of a particularautomated teller machine is presented with the same displays or“screens” in the course of conducting their transactions. While somescreens may include the customer's name, which is often read from theircard, and information such as amounts input by a customer through akeyboard, the screens are otherwise the same for all users. It is commonfor the operator of the ATM such as a financial institution to includepresentations in the screens promoting the operator's institution.However, promotional messages are provided to every user of the ATM.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 10 including an ATM 12 and a remotehost computer 14. The ATM and host computer are enabled to communicatethrough a network 16. It should be understood that the network in mostexisting systems may include a telephone line, data line or lease lineconnection as well as several intermediate computers, which assist intransferring the messages between the ATM and the host which canauthorize the transaction.

The steps which occur in conducting a typical cash dispense transactionare shown. Typically when an ATM is waiting for a transaction, an idlescreen is presented which prompts an approaching user to insert theircard. This is represented by step 18 in FIG. 1. Once the user insertstheir card, the card reader in the ATM operates to read the informationfrom the card. This information typically includes the user's name andprimary account number (PAN). Additional information may also beincluded. The reading of the card is schematically represented by step20.

After the card is read, the ATM operates to present another screen whichprompts the customer to input their personal identification number(PIN). This is represented by a step 22. As represented by step 24, theATM receives the customer's PIN through the keypad, touch screen orother input device on the ATM. After receiving the PIN, the ATMgenerates another screen which prompts the customer to select atransaction. This is represented by step 26. The customer then makes aselection of a transaction by actuating an input device. This isrepresented by a step 28. In various types of ATMs the input of thetransaction selection may be made by touching a function key adjacent tothe screen display. In other ATMs, which include touch screen typedevices, the customer may select a transaction by bringing a fingeradjacent to the touch screen. Other types of ATMs may have differenttypes of input devices through which a transaction selection may bemade.

After the customer has provided a transaction request inputcorresponding to a transaction type, the ATM typically presents anotherscreen which prompts the user to select an account to which thetransaction will be related. This is represented by a step 30. Usuallythe customer has the option of selecting either a checking or a savingsaccount for a cash dispense or deposit transaction. In addition, if thecustomer has selected a dispense transaction, as will be the case inthis example, the customer may be presented with the option of receivingthe funds as a cash advance on a credit card. The user responds to theaccount selection screen by providing inputs to one of the input devicesto indicate the particular account. This is represented by a step 32.

After the customer has selected the transaction and the account to beused, another screen is presented by the ATM to prompt the customer toenter an amount. This is represented by a step 34. In this exemplarytransaction the customer is going to receive a dispense of cash, and inresponse to the prompt screen the customer inputs a numeric valuecorresponding to an amount of cash they wish to receive through thekeypad or other input device. This is represented by a step 36. Itshould be understood that different or other steps may be involved inother transaction types.

In the exemplary withdrawal transaction being discussed in connectionwith FIG. 1, a customer has now input to the ATM all the informationnecessary to formulate a request message to a remote host computer. Thisrequest message is schematically indicated 38. In the exemplaryembodiment the request message may be a Diebold® 91X type transactionmessage, which is a known format for use by ATM networks. The requestmessage 38 includes information representative of the customer's accountnumber 10, transaction selection and amount requested.

The host 14 receives the request message 38 through the network 16. Therequest message is enabled to be routed through the network based oninformation which identifies the institution where the user has theiraccount. This information is typically included in the account number onthe customer's card. This institution identifying portion is commonlyknown as a bank identification number (BIN). When the host 14 receivesthe request message, the host computer operates to verify that the PINinput by the customer corresponds to the PIN for their account number.The host also checks to verify that the amount they wish to withdraw isavailable from the selected account. This is done at a step 40. Whilestep 40 is occurring at the host computer, ATM 12 presents a “wait”screen to the user. This is represented by a step 42. Typical waitscreens commonly advise the customer that “your transaction is beingprocessed” or may include statements such as “please wait” or the like.

When the host 14 determines that the customer's PIN was input correctlyand that the money is available in their account, the host generates aresponse message 44. Response message 44 is returned to the ATM throughthe network 16. It is assumed for purposes of this example that theresponse message includes data representative of the fact that thetransaction requested has been authorized. Commonly such messagesinclude an indication of the next “state” that the machine shouldexecute, and this information is used by the ATM to either perform therequested transaction or display a screen advising the customer thattheir transaction cannot be processed.

In this example it is presumed that the transaction is authorized andthe response message causes the ATM to run its cash dispenser and othertransaction function devices that must operate to achieve a dispense ofcash. This is represented by a step 46. When the cash is dispensed theATM will also print a receipt for the customer as represented by a step48 and will generally make a hard copy record concerning the transactionin a journal which is represented by a step 50.

The execution of the cash dispensing and printing steps also causesscreens to be displayed in response to the then current states, whichstates are part of the programming in the ATM and which control thelogic flow of the machine in the course of performing transactions. Theprogramming of the ATM would generally cause a screen prompting the userto take their cash to be displayed once the cash is dispensed. This isrepresented by a step 52. Once the receipt is printed, a screen isgenerally displayed which prompts the user to take their receipt. Thisis represented by a step 54. It should be understood that these varioussteps and the screens may vary depending on the transaction involved andthe programming of the ATM machine.

The ATM having performed the transactions successfully will generate amessage back to the host advising the host computer that the customer'saccount balance should be modified in accordance with the transactionconducted. This is done through a completion message schematicallyindicated 56. For purposes of this example it will be presumed that thecompletion message includes data representative of the transaction beingcarried out successfully. If the transaction could not be carried outsuccessfully, the completion message may include informationrepresentative of that fact. Upon receipt of the completion message thehost 14 operates in accordance with its programming to assess theappropriate charge to the customer for the cash received as representedat a step 58 and to make a record of the transaction as represented by astep 60.

The ATM will then generally operate in accordance with its programmingto present a screen prompting the user to indicate if they would likeanother transaction. This is represented by a step 62. If the userwishes to have another transaction conducted, they may do so byproviding an input to that effect. The machine then returns to the pointin the logic flow indicated by arrow B. This is represented by a step64. If the customer does not wish to conduct another transaction, theyso indicate by providing a different input. This is represented by astep 66. The ATM then operates in accordance with its programming toreturn the customer's card at a step 68. A screen is then presentedprompting the user to take their card which is represented by a step 70,and the ATM returns to the beginning of the logic flow as represented byarrow A. In this condition the ATM is ready to receive a card fromanother customer and to conduct additional transactions.

While conventional ATM programming is highly efficient for conductingtransactions, it provides only a limited range of marketing capabilitiesto the ATM operator. While the operator may present some customizedmaterial in their screens promoting services provided by theinstitution, such information will not be of interest to many users. Inaddition, when institutions provide promotional messages, they oftenprovide information that is only of value to customers of the particularinstitution. ATM users who are not generally customers of theinstitution will often have no interest in the promotional messagespresented.

Some prior art systems have developed the capability of conducting ananalysis of customer information at the host computer. The hostcomputer, either itself or through other connected computers, maydetermine a particular marketing message that might be appropriate topresent to the particular customer. The response message generated bythe host may include data representative of a particular message topresent. Alternatively, the ATM may include a CD-ROM or other datastorage device which has marketing presentations thereon. The responsemessage from the host may include an instruction to play one of thesemarketing presentations for the customer. The ATM then operates inaccordance with the response message to provide the message to thecustomer.

While this approach provides more marketing options for operators ofATMs, such systems have drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that it canslow transaction times for ATM operators by requiring the host to notonly do the necessary financial transaction processing, but also thenecessary processing to determine the appropriate marketing message.This additional processing time combined with the promotional messagepresentation time can slow down a user's operation of an ATM and annoyboth the user and others who are waiting to use the machine.

A further drawback associated with such prior marketing systems is thatthe ATM programming and financial transaction flow must be significantlymodified to accommodate the display of marketing presentations. Inaddition, the ATM must be modified to accommodate additional devicessuch as a video disc player or other appropriate storage medium for thepresentations. A further drawback is that such systems do not have thecapability of receiving responsive inputs from the customer concerningthe presentation. This inability to obtain immediate feedback throughthe ATM terminal as well as the inability for a user to immediatelyaccept a marketing offer, usually results in the user not following upon the offer even if there is some interest.

A further drawback associated with existing ATM marketing systems isthat users will generally receive the same promotion every time they usethe ATM. As a result, after the first presentation the user willgenerally ignore further follow-up presentations and will consider theirpresentation an inconvenience. A further drawback of existing systems isthat the data which specifies the marketing information must come fromthe host computer that can authorize the transaction. Many times this isnot a host computer that is controlled by the operator of the machine.If the host computer relies on presentations stored at the ATM machineto give the appropriate promotional message, and the ATM does notinclude this capability, no promotional message may be sent. A furthercomplication would be if the ATM has the capability but the presentationfiles stored do not correspond with those that the host expects. Thiscould result in a presentation of a totally inappropriate message to theuser. A further drawback of such existing approaches is that the ownerof the ATM cannot specifically address messages to those users who arenot currently customers of the owning institution. This is because theentity owning the ATM cannot authorize the transaction unless thecustomer is one who already has their account with the institutionowning the ATM. Conventional systems do not enable the ATM owning entityto selectively provide presentations to users who are not its customersfor other purposes.

ATMs are also now increasingly owned or leased by the operators of thefacilities in which they are installed. Alternatively the owner of thefacility may rent space to an entity that provides the ATM. Thesefacilities may include for example fast food restaurants, grocerystores, gas stations, bars, casinos or other facilities. Such ATMspresent opportunities for marketing of products provided by their owneror an associated franchise of which their owner is a participant. SuchATMs may be used to promote products of the facility. In addition,operators of facilities where such ATMs are installed may not object toother products being promoted through their ATMs. This is particularlytrue if such other products would help to generate revenue from theadvertiser. However, they would not want their competitor's productspromoted on their ATM. At present there is no effective way to providesuch marketing messages on a selective wide scale basis.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved ATM customer marketing systemthat is used to provide marketing messages to ATM users selectivelybased on the particular user as well as the location of the machine theyare operating. There further exists a need for an ATM marketing systemthat does not significantly slow ATM transaction times and which doesnot adversely impact the financial transaction process and capabilitiesof the machine

OBJECTS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following objects are objects of at least some exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein.

It is an object to provide an ATM customer marketing system and method.

It is a further object to provide an ATM customer marketing system andmethod that may be used to selectively provide marketing messages to auser.

It is a further object to provide an ATM customer marketing system andmethod that may be used to selectively provide a sequence of marketingmessages to a user during different visits to ATM machines.

It is a further object to provide an ATM marketing system and methodthat can receive immediate feedback from ATM users concerning marketingmessages.

It is a further object to provide an ATM customer marketing system andmethod that does not impact the underlying speed and reliability of theATM in processing financial transactions.

It is a further object to provide an ATM customer marketing system andmethod that selectively enables the presentation of differentpromotional messages and campaigns among groups of ATM machines.

It is a further object to provide an ATM customer marketing system andmethod that enables analysis and use of the results of ATM marketingcampaigns.

It is a further object to provide a method of operating an ATM customermarketing system which provides increased effectiveness in marketing toATM customers.

It is a further object to provide a method and system for marketing tousers of automated transaction machines.

Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in thefollowing Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and the appendedclaims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment byproviding an automated transaction machine such as an ATM which iscapable of carrying out transactions with connected financial computers.The ATM is programmed to send information representative of the identityof the customer to a remote computer which is different from thecomputer which is involved in authorizing the ATM transaction. In theexemplary form of the invention this information, which isrepresentative of a customer's account number, is sent at the earliestavailable opportunity in the transaction before a financial transactionmessage is sent to the remote computer which processes the financialtransaction requested by the user.

The computer handling the marketing message activity receives theinformation identifying the customer and determines the appropriatemessage or series of messages to be presented to the customer. A messageincluding data indicative of this information is returned to the ATM.The ATM presents this information to the customer through its interfaceduring the financial transaction. In some exemplary forms of theinvention marketing sessions may be conducted during lull times such aswhen the machine is waiting for a response message from an ATM host orat other suitable times during the transaction. The customer is alsoenabled to respond with choices and input data in response to themarketing messages presented. This information is returned to thecomputer handling the marketing information. This enables the customer'sindication of interest or acceptance of offers to be promptly respondedto. In addition, the system of the invention enables the owner of theATM to control the presentation of messages. This may be particularlyhelpful when the owner of the machine is attempting to obtain additionalbusiness from users of its ATM who are customers of other institutions.

The exemplary form of the present invention further includes a systemfor preparing promotional campaigns which include marketingpresentations. The campaigns are selectively delivered and executed inATMs connected to the system. This enables different types ofpromotional messages to be selectively presented at different ATMs. Theexemplary form of the invention also provides for the distribution ofcoupons and similar premiums. The exemplary system further includes thetracking and analysis of the distribution of premiums and othermarketing information. The exemplary system also provides other types ofmarketing and presentation capabilities at ATMs and other types ofautomated transaction machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an ATM transaction system and the logicsteps executed in carrying out an exemplary cash withdrawal transaction.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an ATM customer marketing system of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the software architecture included in anATM used in the exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the software agent that operates in themachine represented in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the architecture and data flow inthe exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of database components used in thesystem of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view representative of how the system operates inconnection with ATMs to present marketing information.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view representative of how marketing campaigns arepresented to an ATM user through the presentation of a sequence ofmessages.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of messages of a first type that arepresented to a user of an ATM to encourage them to open a checkingaccount with an institution owning the ATM.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of presentations presented to an ATM userduring a series of visits to ATMs to encourage them to acquire checkingoverdraft protection.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary sequence of messages that are presented to anATM user to encourage them to take advantage of an offer which allowsthem to skip credit card payments.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the ATM customer marketing system and thesoftware components used therein to distribute campaigns and to obtainthe results thereof.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of software components used in the ATMcustomer marketing system for purposes of presenting targeted messagesto particular users.

FIGS. 14 through 31 are a schematic representation of the logic flow inan exemplary transaction which demonstrates features of the ATM customermarketing system of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the exemplary relationships betweencategories of data used in connection with distributing and presentingmarketing information through an ATM marketing server to automatedtransaction machines.

FIGS. 33 through 86 are exemplary screen displays representative of theoperator interface presented in connection with developing,distributing, presenting and analyzing marketing campaigns and messagesat ATMs, as well as the logic associated therewith.

FIG. 87 is an example of a screen presented at an ATM in response to apresentation directed to the particular user and particularcircumstances which may be achieved through operation of exemplaryembodiments of the system.

FIG. 88 is a schematic view of components connected in the system whichoperate to carry out the functions of marketing to particular users aswell as to categories of users at a plurality of ATM machines.

FIG. 89 is an exemplary embodiment of the relationship between connectedcomputers in the system represented in FIG. 88.

FIG. 90 is a schematic view showing an exemplary logic flow carried outby ATM machines in conducting a marketing session as well as a financialtransaction for a customer.

FIGS. 91-96 are graphical views representative of steps in thetransaction represented in FIG. 90.

FIG. 97 is a schematic view of an alternative logic flow used inconducting a marketing session and a financial transaction for a user atan ATM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring again to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 2, there isshown therein schematically a system generally designated 72 whichincludes a first form of an exemplary ATM customer marketing system. Itshould be noted that this exemplary system includes a range ofcapabilities intended to demonstrate aspects of the present invention.Other systems which are encompassed by the present invention may notinclude all the features described herein. Embodiments of the inventionmay also have other or additional features.

The exemplary system shown in FIG. 2 includes ATMs 74, 76, 78, 80, 82,84 and 86. These ATMs may be similar to ATM 12 previously discussed ormay be other types of ATMs or automated transaction machines. It shouldbe understood that this grouping of ATMs is exemplary. In the exampleshown, ATMs 74 and 76 are shown in communication with a network 88.Network 88 is an ATM or other financial transaction network whichcommunicates transaction messages between the ATMs and an ATM hostcomputer schematically indicated 90. Such communications may occurbetween ATMs 74, 76, and host 90 in a manner similar to thecommunications between ATM 12 and host 14 previously described.

ATMs 78 and 80 communicate through a network 92 with a host 94. ATMs 78and 80 may communicate, for example, to a different host or ATMprocessor than ATM 74 and 76. As schematically represented, a networkinterconnection 96 may enable hosts 90 and 94 to communicate. Thisinterconnection may allow a customer whose transactions are processed athost 94 to use ATM 74.

ATMs 82 and 84 are connected through a network 98 with a transactionhost 100. Transaction host 100 is representative of a host computerwhich is not interconnected to other transaction processing hosts. Thismay be, for example, a closed system in which ATM users are only enabledto use the machines which are operated by the particular institutionwith which they have accounts. Alternatively, host 100 may berepresentative of a credit card processing system. ATMs connected tosuch systems may only be enabled to dispense cash and have the amountdispensed charged to the credit card along with a transaction processingfee. This is in contrast to debit card systems which often enable a userto dispense money directly from their checking or savings account. Ofcourse, in some cases debit card accepting systems may also enable theuser to take a cash advance on a credit card.

The ATM 86 is schematically representative of an open systems type ATMof the type shown in published International Application PCT/US97/21422filed Nov. 25, 1997, and published as WO98/24041 which is owned by theAssignee of the present invention and which is incorporated by referenceas if fully rewritten herein. ATM 86 is shown connected through a TCP/IPconnection 102 to a transaction host or server 104. Transaction server104 is capable of operating the ATM 86 through a TCP/IP connection. Inaddition, server 104 may be connectable to a network 106 to otherservers in the network. Network 106 may be a local area network, a widearea network or even the Internet. Network 106 may provide connectionsto other servers which are capable of verifying the identity of the useroperating ATM 86 as well as to authorize transactions. Any of the hostcomputers represented may operate to process transactions in the mannerdescribed in allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/813,510 filedMar. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,245, which is owned by theAssignee of the present invention and which is incorporated by referenceas if fully rewritten herein. It should be understood that these ATMtransaction processing configurations are exemplary and in other systemsother configurations may be used.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, each of the ATMscommunicates transaction messages with a respective transaction host andnetwork. These transaction messages include the messages necessary toauthorize financial transactions. However, in the exemplary system 72,each of the ATMs also is connected to a TCP/IP network 108. The TCP/IPnetwork has connected thereto a computer that is separate from the hostcomputer which is used to authorize transactions. This computer is amarket message server schematically indicated 110. The market messageserver is in operative connection with a database 112. Database 112 inthis exemplary system includes data related to ATMs, promotionalmaterials, campaigns, customers and other information necessary ordesirable to selectively make marketing presentations to users at theATMs. It should be understood that while the exemplary network 108communicates messages in TCP/IP, in other embodiments othercommunications methods may be used.

The market message server may also be connected to a market systemschematically indicated 114. The market system may include one or moreconnected computers and databases such as a data warehouse which is usedfor holding information concerning users of the system. System 114 mayin addition or alternatively be a system that can be accessed forpurposes of importing marketing presentation materials. Market system114 may also or alternatively be a connected system for providingoutputs which may be used to follow up on customer responses or torespond to customer requests. System 114 may also include capabilitiesfor analyzing and modifying promotional messages and marketingcampaigns. Various different or additional features may also be employedin the various systems connected to the market message server 110 andmarket system 114. As schematically indicated, market system 114 may beconnected to the network 108 or may be connectable to one or more marketmessage servers through various other types of electronic connections.

Network 108 further has connected thereto an additional server 116.Server 116 may be used for carrying out various types of functions inthe system. One exemplary application which may be operated in server116 is an event management system as described in allowed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/813,511 filed Mar. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.5,984,178, which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewrittenherein. The event management system is operative to receive messagesthat are indicative of conditions or status type information whichexists at ATMs and to notify appropriate persons to take responsive orcorrective action. In addition, the event management system may beoperative to provide follow-up messages concerning conditions and toanalyze status conditions which occur. Of course, other types of serverswhich carry out other types of functions may be included in the network108.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the software architecture which resides ona computer in an exemplary ATM which is used in connection with anembodiment of the present invention. This exemplary architectureschematically indicated 118 includes an operating system schematicallyindicated 120. Operating system 120 may be any of a number of operatingsystems such as OS2® version 4 from IBM, Windows98® or WindowsNT® fromMicrosoft or other suitable operating systems that operate in one ormore computers to carry out the functions described herein. Asschematically represented in FIG. 3, the operating system is inoperative connection with a system clock 122.

Software applications running in the ATM include a terminal controlsoftware application schematically indicated 124. The terminal controlsoftware application is operative to control transaction functiondevices used in the ATM. These transaction function devices include thedevices in the ATM that carry out transaction functions. These includein exemplary embodiments a card reader, input keys, function keys, sheetdispensers, printers, depositories, check reading devices and othertransaction related components. The terminal control softwareapplication provides control signals and receives signals from thetransaction function devices through respective device interfacesschematically indicated 126, 128, 130, 132 and 134. It should beunderstood that these devices and device interfaces are exemplary andthat other embodiments of the invention may include other or additionaldevices and interfaces.

The exemplary embodiment of the software architecture 124 furtherincludes a communication subsystem 136. A communication subsystem isoperative to provide communication of messages from the ATM to otherconnected components. Such messages are preferably made by thecommunication subsystem in the protocols and message formats which arerequired by connected systems. In the embodiment shown, thecommunication subsystem is shown schematically with a connection 138which represents a connection to an ATM host. This host connection maybe a connection which provides, for example, a lease line connectioncommunicating Diebold 91X transaction messages of the type previouslydescribed in the suitable protocol which can be handled by the financialtransaction host. The connection is made through a suitable driver orother interface to the communication system which connects to the host.

The communication subsystem is also shown with a modem connection 140.This modem connection may be a continuous phone line type connection ora dial-up connection. The modem connection 140 may be controlled tocommunicate with other systems and components including components whichmay be connected to TCP/IP type networks and other types of networks.The communication subsystem 136 further includes an output 142, which inthe embodiment shown is representative of a TCP/IP connection. Such aconnection may be to TCP/IP network 108 or other networks. Theconnection may be made through a suitable network interface. It shouldbe understood that these connections are exemplary and that other typesof communications connections and configurations may be used inembodiments of the invention. In addition in some embodiments of theinvention the ATM may connect to more than one network through a singlephysical connection.

As shown in FIG. 3, the software architecture further includes anoperatively connected database 144. Database 144 preferably resideslocally relative to the ATM and may include one or more data storagedevices or regions which provide data storage for instructions,configuration data and other data used in operation of the varioussoftware components which operate within the ATM. As will further bediscussed in detail, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention thedata store also includes marketing presentation materials schematicallyindicated 146. These marketing presentation materials may include forexample MPEG files, coupon graphics, coupon configuration data, screenicons, local states, local screens and activation script or otherprogramming for causing the operation and presentation of such items inthe computer of the ATM.

In the exemplary software configuration shown in FIG. 3, a states andscreens application 148 is shown in connection with the communicationsubsystem 136. The states and screens application includes programswhich correlate graphical output screens and programmed states whichexist within the configuration of the machine. Such states may berepresentative of particular conditions or points in the execution oftransaction logic flows which have associated screen presentations. Inaddition, the states and screens application may include states andscreens logic downloaded or otherwise installed into memory in themachine which enables the execution of steps and the presentation ofscreens associated with marketing presentations which may be presentedto users at the ATM.

A further software agent shown in connection with the communicationsubsystem 136 is associated with presenting marketing presentationstargeted specifically to the current user of the ATM. The software agentis referred to as a 1:1 agent and is schematically indicated 150. Agent150 executes program steps which cause the ATM to send information whichidentifies the current user to an external system such as the marketmessage server. Agent 150 is also preferably operative in response tomessages it receives to execute steps which cause presentations to bemade and which cause user responses to presentations to be passed to themarket message server or other connected systems. Agent 150 is operativeto accomplish this activity without substantially affecting theoperation of the ATM with regard to financial transaction messages. Inone exemplary form of the invention later discussed, the 1:1 agent isoperative to receive messages indicative of marketing messages to bepresented to a user of the ATM through a separate communications pathother than that used for transaction messages, and at a time before atransaction response message is received from the transaction processinghost.

A further software agent designated ESD agent 152 is in communicationwith the communication subsystem 136. The ESD agent as later describedin detail is operative to control the loading of market messages intothe data store associated with the computer that operates in the ATM. Inaddition, ESD agent 152 in this exemplary embodiment is operative tocontrol the presentation of marketing messages and other itemsassociated with campaigns presented at the ATM. The ESD agent 152 isfurther operative to provide information concerning marketing messagesand campaigns to a connected server such as the market message server sothat results can be analyzed.

A further agent in operative connection with the communication subsystem136 is a coupon application schematically indicated 154. Couponapplication 154 works in cooperation with other applications in a mannerhereinafter described to provide users of the machine with coupons andother promotional items associated with marketing messages andcampaigns.

The exemplary software architecture 118 further includes an events agentschematically indicated 156. The events agent 156 is operative tomonitor the generation of status messages of the solicited andunsolicited types by the transaction function devices and other deviceswithin the ATM. The events agent 156 is responsive to the generation ofstatus messages and to transmit corresponding messages either by modemor other communications channel to a server operating an eventmanagement system which takes action in response to these messages. Theevents agent 156 avoids the need to send messages to the serveroperating the event management system through the financial transactionprocessing host. This facilitates the delivery of messages to theparticular entities that are responsible for taking corrective action atthe ATM which generated the status message.

The operation and architecture of an exemplary embodiment of the ATMcustomer marketing system of the invention is schematically representedin FIG. 5. An ATM 158 includes a computer 160 which is in operativeconnection with a data store 162. The data store includes instructionsfor operating the ATM and executing the associated financial transactionlogic flow. The data store also includes data usable to generate aplurality of marketing presentations, for example, screens, graphics,icons, coupon layouts and other promotional items, which areschematically represented as market presentation materials 164. Themarket presentation materials may be originally loaded into the ATM fromone or more external sources schematically indicated 166. Thepresentation material sources 166 operate to cause the presentationmaterials selectively downloaded into the data stores associated withthe ATMs in accordance with presentation and distribution logic which isestablished through a system referred to by the Assignee of the presentinvention as Iq® ESD, later described in detail.

The loading of the presentation materials from the presentation materialsources is achieved through use of a message gateway router (MGR)software component schematically indicated 168. The message gatewayrouter operates in a manner described in detail in the incorporated U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/813,510 filed Mar. 7, 1997. The MGRconverts the original formats of the presentation materials to a formatsuitable for delivery to the ESD agent 152 resident on the ATM. MGR 168runs on a market message server schematically indicated 170 in FIG. 5.The market message server 170 is connected to a network 172 to which thecomputer in ATM 158 is connected. Network 172 may communicate usingTCP/IP or other suitable communications methods. The transfer anddistribution of the presentation materials from the sources areaccomplished selectively and in accordance with the configurationsestablished by a system operator. The selective transfer anddistribution is carried out responsive to message processing programs(MPPs) 174, which run in the market message server 170. Messageprocessing programs 174 are preferably operative to distribute marketpresentation materials at the times and in the manner desired by theoperator of the system. The message processing programs may be furtheroperative to provide downloading of states and screen data to enable thepresentation of such materials at the ATMs as well as to carry out otherfunctions as later described.

As is represented in FIG. 5, the market server further has operativetherein additional message processing programs 176. Such messageprocessing programs are in operative communication with user dataschematically indicated 178. The user data in the described embodimentincludes information about users and market data which can be used toselectively present marketing information to them at ATMs. The user data178 in the exemplary embodiment may reside in a data store resident inthe market server 170 or may be exported to or imported from otherexternal servers and systems schematically indicated 180. In otherembodiments the user data may reside in the data store in the ATM or inother areas in the system.

In the exemplary embodiment described herein the user data 178preferably includes information associated with each user as well asinformation that is correlated with particular marketing campaigns. Thismay include, for example, market segment data which is indicative ofdemographic, financial or other characteristics that are associated withthe user for marketing purposes. The user data may also include in thisexemplary embodiment, data representative of a particular marketingcampaign with which the user has been associated, and the particularpoint in the sequence of presentations which make up the campaign wherethe particular user is at the present time. Of course, other informationmay also be included in the user information.

In the exemplary embodiment each user is associated with at least onemarket segment. The segment or segments associated with the user andstored in correlated relation with the user identifying data in thedatabase is indicative of attributes of the user which can be used todefine products such as goods or services that the user may beinterested in purchasing. The user data for each user may also includeother information including information which corresponds to marketingpresentations which are not to be made to the user. This may includepersonal information about the user, historical information about theuser's responses to prior promotions, requests by the user that they notreceive certain types of promotional information, data which indicatesthat information about a user cannot be shared, or other informationthat is useful in making marketing presentations to a user. Aspreviously discussed the information about the user may also includeinformation which indicates the next presentation to be made to the userwhen they operate an ATM connected to the system. This may include forexample information about a marketing campaign which is being made tothe user. It may also include the last presentation that the user hasseen or a next presentation to be made to a user when they next operatea machine connected to the system. For some presentations the dataassociated with the user may include data representative of thepresentations which have been made to the user, have not been made tothe user, or other information that enables the computer to determine anappropriate presentation to make to the user.

In the exemplary form of the invention, data is stored in a data storeassociated with the marketing message server which corresponds tocampaigns. Campaigns include one or more presentations that may be madeto a user at an ATM. A campaign may include several presentations whichare to be presented to a user in a particular sequence or order witheach visit of the user to an ATM connected to the system. As laterdiscussed presentations in an exemplary embodiment may include scriptdata or other instructions, which enable presenting to the user severaldifferent displays, questions or prompts during a marketing sessionduring an ATM transaction. Such presentations may also enable a user toinput information. The input information may then be transmitted backfrom the ATM to the marketing message server to enable the products thatthe user has ordered or expressed an interest in receiving, to bedelivered or further marketed to the user. In the exemplary embodimentusers are enabled to respond with responsive inputs to presentationswhich include questions or prompts. These responsive inputs may includeresponses to yes/no queries. They may also include for example,numerical inputs such as phone numbers or amounts. Such information isfurther usable in delivering or marketing products to the user. Itshould be understood that these approaches are exemplary and otherembodiments of the present invention may employ different approaches.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operator of the systemis enabled to develop campaigns for presentation to users. Thesecampaigns may include for example, presentations to be made generally tousers of the machines during various operations in the ATM transactionsequence. Alternatively, such campaigns may include a targeted sequenceof presentations to which a customer may respond. For example users forwhom information is not stored in the data store may receivepresentations related to certain campaigns while users for whominformation is stored may receive presentations in campaigns directedspecifically to them. Such campaigns are schematically indicated 182 inFIG. 6. The exemplary form of the invention is operative to providerecords related to frequency of presentation and responses to marketingcampaigns which are schematically indicated 184.

As schematically represented in FIG. 7, the exemplary form of thepresent invention is enabled to distribute into the data stores of ATMs,presentation materials which can be presented and responded to totallyindependent of messages associated with financial transactions which aregenerated and received by the ATM. The system of the exemplaryembodiment enables presenting marketing messages generally in the courseof transactions at selected machines in accordance with selected timeand date parameters. The exemplary embodiment also enables providingtargeted marketing messages to particular users of ATMs. This includes,for example, a sequence of messages included in a campaign directed atusers in a particular market segment.

FIG. 8 indicates schematically an example of a campaign targeted to aparticular user or a user in a given market segment. The campaignincludes a series or sequence of presentation messages. In the exemplaryembodiment, the campaign may involve several presentations which includemessages intended to familiarize a user with the product or to stimulateinterest. The user receives the first presentation during a first ATMtransaction schematically indicated 186 in FIG. 8. Later when a userconducts a second transaction at the same or different ATM connected tothe system, they will receive a second presentation in the campaignsequence. This is schematically indicated by a second transaction 188 inFIG. 8. Additional presentations in the sequence may be presented in athird ATM transaction 190 and in a fourth ATM transaction 192. Thepresentations may be made randomly but are preferably presented in aparticular predetermined order. Such presentations may include a requestfor the customer to make a decision concerning a proposal or to provideinformation in response to a marketing message, which a user does byproviding responsive inputs to the ATM. Campaigns may involve any numberof such presentations in a sequence as is reasonable under thecircumstances, and which are designed to spur consumer interest. Inaddition, inputs by users in response to campaign presentations,including inputs which indicate a lack of interest therein, may be usedby the logic of the market message system to select future campaigns tobe presented to users of the system or to modify existing campaigns.Customer responses to inquiries such as decision and input messages mayalso be exported by the system to other systems or personnel who canfollow up on decisions made by the customer in response to the marketingpresentations.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 provide exemplary campaigns targeted to users. FIG. 9depicts an exemplary campaign designated 194 designed to interest a userin opening a checking account with a bank operating an ATM. Thiscampaign is targeted to a user who is required to pay transaction feesbecause they do not qualify for free ATM usage. This may be because, forexample, they are not a customer of the particular bank who owns theATM, or they do not have the type of account to qualify for free ATMusage. The campaign at 194 presents to the user different presentationswhich include screen messages during the first two (2) visits to theATM, which are designed to get the user thinking about the issue. Thepresentation on the third visit causes a screen to be shown which asksthe user if they would like more information. In the operation of thisexemplary embodiment as later explained, the user is enabled to provideresponse messages and inputs. If the user provides a positive response,the logic associated with the presentation operates to captureinformation about how to contact the user. If the user declines, theyare provided with a coupon which may include a reminder that the usermay exercise the offer at a later date. Alternatively or in addition,the coupon may be a coupon or other premium to reward the customer forparticipating in the promotional campaign. In either case the inputsfrom the customer and other information about the marketingpresentations are returned to the market message server in a mannerlater explained so that further appropriate action may take place.

FIG. 10 details an exemplary campaign designated 196 which is a sequenceof presentations which cause the ATM to output messages intended tointerest a customer in acquiring checking overdraft protection on theiraccount. Again, the initial message is to stimulate interest. During thesecond visit the customer is encouraged to make a decision. The decisioninformation is followed by further appropriate messages, the responsesto which are returned to the marketing message server. Follow-upmessages are provided to the customer consistent with their decisionduring the second visit, on a subsequent ATM visit.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary campaign 198. Campaign 198 consists of asequence of messages presented to a user of an ATM on successive visits.This campaign encourages a user to exercise the option to skip a paymenton a credit card after the holiday season. Again, as is the case withthe prior exemplary sequences, the user is given messages to interestthem in the product. Decisions and/or other inputs are made onsubsequent visits and the customer's decision is followed up in anappropriate manner as a result of activity carried out by the marketmessage server. Of course, campaigns 94, 96, and 98 are exemplary andmany other campaigns which may or may not involve user responses may bepresented by embodiments of the present invention.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 5, in the exemplary embodiment targetedmarket messages are provided to selected users of the system. This isaccomplished through use of a software agent, such as agent 150,operating in the ATM. The agent operates to deliver customer identifyinginformation to the market message server 170 as soon as possible in thecourse of the ATM transaction. In the exemplary embodiment thisidentifying information may include the user's PAN which is read fromthe card of the user by the ATM early in the financial transactionsequence. Of course in other embodiments other identifying inputs to themachine may be used to identify the user. This may include biometricdata or other data that can be provided by the user or an itemassociated therewith. The agent 150 senses signals indicative of thisidentifying information being acquired and causes a marketing requestmessage which includes data corresponding to the PAN to be output in amessage to the network 172. In the exemplary embodiment the marketingrequest message includes a portion in an ISO 8583 message format.

The market message server receives this message which includes thecustomer identifying PAN. The message is transformed into a suitableinternal format message by the MGR 168. The message sent from the ATMwhich includes the customer identifying information includes indiciaindicating the type of message that it is, and based on this data theMGR routes the message to an MPP 176 that is capable of handling themessage. In this case the MPP operates to look up information in thedata store concerning the corresponding user and the next presentationin the campaign sequence that they are to receive. As previouslydiscussed, the next presentation may be a presentation which causes theATM to present a single screen or message to which no response isrequired. It may alternatively include a series of instructions whichcause the ATM to output messages which request inputs from the customer.

In response to its activity (or activities in connection with othercomponents and systems), the MPP outputs a marketing response messagewhich includes data representative of the presentation appropriate forthe customer in this situation. In the exemplary embodiment themarketing response message is also an ISO 8583 format portion. The MPPalso preferably notes the fact of the user's activity in a data storeand transfers a response message back through the MGR to the agentoperating in the ATM. The agent 150 then operates responsive to theinstructions in the presentation data to display the messages at theappropriate time in the transaction sequence in accordance with itsprogramming and/or the configuration local states and screensapplication 148. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, themarketing presentation is displayed after entry by the customer of theirPIN and before the financial transaction selection screen. Of course, inother embodiments, the messages may be displayed at other times in thetransaction sequence in accordance with the configuration of the agentand/or the local states and screens application.

FIG. 12 shows the software architecture associated with an exemplarymarket message server 170 which distributes marketing presentationmaterial 164 to the ATMs. As previously discussed, source files such asMPEG files, graphics, icons and other items are passed from source files166 into local data stores at selected ATMs such as ATM 158 where suchitems may reside. The distribution and configuration of such items isachieved by the operator of the system who determines on which ATMs suchitems are to be loaded. This is accomplished as later explained bydelivering such items to particular ATMs or groups of ATMs as classifiedby the system.

A system user also develops campaigns which include marketingpresentations to be made at the various ATMs. Such campaigns may includerelated types of visual or audio presentations, the dispensing ofcoupons or other promotions to be made at particular ATMs. The campaignsgenerally include activation logic for the presentation of a number ofdifferent items of presentation material. The setup of the system mayalso include the selective loading of states and screens into terminalsto accommodate the presentation of the marketing content. The ESD agentmay also provide for accumulation and reporting of data on marketingpresentations. Such data may include responses received to marketingcampaigns such as the number and types of coupons which users select tohave printed. Data accumulated by the ESD agent may also include thenumber of times particular presentations were made.

The ESD agent information may be returned to the market message server.Such data messages may be converted by MGR 168 or other messageconverters, and processed by one or more MPPs such as MPP 200 which isconfigured for processing and analyzing such data. It should also beunderstood that the system of the present invention may include a timerprogram 202. The timer program may be operative in the manner of theincorporated disclosure to assure that messages transferred between MPPsor between MPPs and external devices are received in a timely fashion.The timer may further operate to cause the distribution of presentationmaterials and campaigns at selected times as well as to retrieve datafrom the ESD agent at selected times or intervals.

It should further be understood that as represented in FIG. 12 each ofthe components of the system are connected to the TCP/IP network 172through associated listener and sender components. This facilitatesoperation of the components in a generally asynchronous manner as wellas enables distribution of system components on one or more connectedservers. As also represented in FIG. 12, the ESD agent component maycommunicate directly with the TCP/IP network or alternatively may beconnected through an intermediate network. The ESD agent communicatesthrough a driver 204 or other suitable communications device. It shouldalso be understood that embodiments of the invention may include thecapabilities for distributing presentation materials and campaigns toATMs, and for receiving data from the ATMs, by dial-up connections suchas through wired or wireless modems or other intermittent connections.This may be particularly appropriate where campaigns are run on the ATMthat are not targeted to a particular user of the ATM.

FIG. 4 shows schematically components of the exemplary ESD agent 152.The ESD agent 152 includes a data transfer client component 206. Thedata transfer client component is used for transferring data between thecommunications subsystem 136 and the ESD agent. Data transmitted throughthe data transfer client includes the distribution of presentationmaterials and/or states and screen logic appropriate for thepresentation of campaigns which are to be stored on the ATM in memory.The data transfer client is also operative to sense the inputs which areoperative to cause it to execute its instructions included in the ESDagent state logic 208. As previously discussed, the occurrence ofvarious activities or inputs at the ATM are operative to cause themarketing presentations to be output. The state logic 208 receives theinformation through the data transfer client which causes the executionof these instructions. In addition, the data transfer client isoperative to return accumulated report information concerning use of thesystem to the market message server.

An “in box” component 210 is operative to hold presentation materialsand/or campaign logic. The in box 210 is operative to hold these itemsuntil the designated time for making the particular presentationmaterials available on the ATM. Likewise, the activation logicassociated with presenting the campaigns is also held in the in boxuntil an appropriate time for execution by the state logic. As will beappreciated, the state logic includes appropriate timing functionsschematically indicated 212 which cause the actions to be carried out inaccordance with the programmed instructions delivered to the ESD agentby the market message server.

As shown in FIG. 13, the operation of the market message server 170 inconnection with the 1:1 agent 150 is operative to cause a specificmessage targeted to the particular user to be presented at the ATM, andin appropriate circumstances to return information to the server. Inthis example the 1:1 agent senses the user's PAN data through thecommunication subsystem 136 and operates in accordance with its stateflow logic to deliver a marketing request message including datarepresentative of the PAN which identifies the user, to the TCP/IPnetwork 172. The MGR 168 or other suitable MGRs operate to convert themessage format to one that can be handled internally by the system androutes the converted message based on its message type to theappropriate message processing program, which in this case is MPP 176.The MPP 176 or other connected MPPs are operative to determineresponsive to the customer's PAN data the next presentation to bepresented to the customer at the ATM and the particular relationship orlogic script between the data which comprises the presentation.

A marketing response message including data representative of thepresentation to be made at the ATM and which include logic whichconnects the components of the message, are downloaded as a message orscript to the agent in the appropriate message format as determined bythe MGR 168. The agent 150 executes the state logic included in themessages to cause the presentation to be made to the user. The statelogic included in the agent 150 also selectively executes the deliveryof the components of the presentation based on inputs from the user andcaptures the user's responses. Alternatively, if the user does notrespond, the state logic in the agent 150 provides a time-out whichreturns the ATM to its usual financial transaction flow.

The state logic of the agent 150 is operative to further output amessage responsive to inputs from the user which were requested by thelogic script delivered to the agent for the customer. This informationis included in an acknowledgment message that is returned by the agentthrough the MGR to an appropriate MPP, for example, MPP 214. MPP 214 mayprocess this information and utilize it in accordance with itsconfiguration. If, for example, a customer has indicated that they wishto accept a particular offer such as, for example, to open a newchecking account, the MPP 214 or other connected MPP may be operative toexport data responsive of this information to another system. This mayinclude delivering the data to an appropriate workstation from which aservice provider may process the customer's order or contact thecustomer. Alternatively information provided by the customer may bedelivered to a data warehouse or other system where it is used to updateinformation about the user as well as to conduct other analyses. Theresponsive inputs provided by the customer are also used to updateinformation stored relative to the user in the data store associatedwith the marketing server. Such information may include for example thenext presentation to be made to the customer in the campaign. It mayalso include for example the responses that the user has given inresponse to questions that have been presented to them. Such informationmay be used for example to discontinue the current campaign to thecustomer, to start another campaign or to select campaigns to bepresented to the customer in the future.

In the exemplary embodiment, the marketing request message from the ATMto the marketing server, the marketing response message from themarketing server to the ATM and the marketing acknowledgment messagefrom the ATM to the marketing server are each in the ISO 8583 messageformat. The request message and the response message are each a 300 typemessage. The acknowledgment message is a type 310 message. Of coursethese messages are exemplary and in other embodiments other messageformats may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment the marketing request message includes datarepresentative of the message length, the message type and the customeridentifying data which in this case is data included in the customer'sPAN from the card presented by the customer. This data allows the logiccarried out by the marketing server to determine if the customer is onefor whom information is stored in the data store. If the customer is notone for whom the system is capable of providing targeted marketingspecifically to the individual, the marketing server may identify adefault presentation to be made to the user. The default presentationmay be common to all users for whom no data is stored in the database.Alternatively the default presentation may be determined based oncharacteristics associated with the user or the transaction such as theinstitution with which the user's card is associated. Alternatively thepresentation may be based on the location of the ATM being operated bythe customer, the time of year, the day of the week or the time of daythat the user is operating the ATM.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention the data store associated withthe marketing message server also has stored in connection therewithdata representative of attributes of the ATMs. These attributes mayinclude for example information about the type and location of the ATM.Such information may also include for example data representative ofpresentation materials that have been stored in the data storeassociated with the computer operating in the ATM. This informationenables the system to determine the capabilities of the particular ATMincluding its capability to output presentations. It also enables thesystem to determine the types of messages to present so that they can bedisplayed to the customer and/or whether the customer can provide aresponsive input to the messages presented based on the input and outputdevices in the ATM.

In the exemplary system the marketing message server is operative insituations where the user is one for whom data is available in the datastore, to determine the presentation to be presented to the user. Thismay be done in the exemplary embodiment by reviewing the customer'smarket segment, determining the appropriate campaign and thendetermining the particular presentation in the campaign that should bemade. Alternatively, rather than resolving this information at the timethe marketing request message is received, exemplary systems may havepreviously determined the presentation that the customer is to receivethe next time they appear at an ATM. The computer may operate to storedata representative of the presentation in connection with datarepresentative of the customer. This avoids any delay associated withresolving this information while a transaction is ongoing.

The marketing message server is operative to configure a marketingresponse message to the ATM which includes data representative of thepresentation to be made to the user. In an exemplary form of theinvention the marketing response message includes the message length anda message type indicator which indicates the type of message being sent.The marketing response message also includes data representative of thecustomer name and other information. This information may be insertedinto screens presented to the customer in response to the instructionsincluded in the marketing response message.

In the exemplary embodiment the marketing response message also includesparticular instructions and data which cause outputs to be presented tothe customer. The 1:1 agent operating on a machine executes theseinstructions and causes the corresponding outputs to be made to the userthrough one or more output devices such as the display on the ATM. Inthe exemplary embodiment the presentation includes script dataassociated with display steps, question steps and prompt steps. Ofcourse these steps are exemplary and in other embodiments other ordifferent steps may be used. It should be understood that presentationswhich correspond to the presentation data in a marketing responsemessage may include one or several of the display, question and prompttype steps.

An exemplary display type step instruction operates to cause the agentto provide a display or enable printing of a coupon for the customer.The display type step includes data corresponding to a screen number forwhich corresponding data is stored in the local data store at the ATM.This screen number can be used by the computer operating in the ATM toproduce a graphical output on the display. This graphical output mayinclude an advertisement or other promotional message. The exemplarydisplay step instructions also include data representative of a couponnumber which may be printed for the customer in response to execution ofthe display step. In the exemplary embodiment when no coupon is to bepresented a null value “00” is included so as to avoid the printing ofany coupons. The display step instructions also include a time-out valuewhich is used by the agent to determine how long to display the screenidentified indicated in the display step.

The question step of the exemplary embodiment includes instructionswhich cause the presentation of outputs which include questions to auser. The question step may also include instructions to activatecertain keys through which a user may provide responsive inputs. Aquestion step may also include follow on instructions which aredependent on the responsive inputs provided by the user. In theexemplary system the question step includes a first screen number and afirst coupon number similar to those described in connection with adisplay step. However, in the question step the screen number willgenerally present a question requiring a response from the user. Thesequestions may include a yes/no query or other query type. The questionstep also includes a time-out value associated with the first screenwhich causes the logic flow to move on if the customer does not respond.The question step further includes a key activation listing. Thiscorresponds to function keys or other keys or input devices on the ATMthat are rendered operative in response to receipt of the instructions.Rendering these keys operative enables the agent to receive theresponses input by the customer. The key activation listing may alsoinclude keys that allow the user to input a cancel input as well asinstructions to provide a time-out after which the designated keys areno longer enabled.

The exemplary question step also includes in the presentation data, datarepresentative of screens to be presented depending on the type ofresponsive input provided by the customer to an output screen. Inaddition the question steps may provide for alternative coupons to beprovided depending on responsive inputs provided by the user.

The third type of step included in presentation data of the exemplaryembodiment is a prompt step. The prompt step is similar to a questionstep except that the user is requested to input data which may be morecomplex than responding to a yes/no query. For example a prompt step maycause output of a screen to ask a customer to input a numerical value.The numerical value may be an amount of a loan that they might beinterested in or a phone number where they can be reached by a serviceprovider to receive further information about an offer. The prompt stepin the exemplary embodiment includes instructions such as datarepresentative of a screen number and a coupon number similar to thedisplay step. The time-out value is also provided as well as a keyactivation list to allow a customer to input data through selected keys.A cancel key is also enabled and a time-out instruction is includedwhich operates to terminate the input capability if the customer doesnot respond quickly enough. The prompt step may also include datarepresentative of one or more screens to display in response to inputsor selections made. In addition the prompt step may also includealternative coupon selection values to be provided to a user.

It should be understood that the exemplary step types described provideinstructions to be used by the agent in operating the input and outputdevices of the ATM during a marketing session. The instructions includedin the presentation data of the marketing response message enable themarketing session to be carried out concurrently and within thefinancial transaction the customer is carrying out at the ATM. Multipleinstruction steps may be included in a presentation depending on thetype of messages to be presented and the needs of the system operator.Generally the presentations made are of a relatively short duration tomaintain rapid transaction speeds at the ATM. It should be understoodthat the display, question and prompt steps described are exemplary andother embodiments of the invention may include different types of steps,instructions or data.

After the presentation is made to the customer at the ATM the 1:1 agentoperates to cause the marketing acknowledgment message to be sent fromthe ATM to the marketing server. In the exemplary embodiment themarketing acknowledgment method includes data representative of themessage length and the message type. The marketing acknowledgmentmessage also includes customer identifying data such as the customer PANor other data which is usable within the system to identify theparticular user. If the customer has been presented with a question orprompt step the marketing acknowledgment message may also include theresponsive data input by the customer. This includes for example the keyselections made by the customer in response to a question or datarepresentative that the customer allowed the presentation to time-out.The responsive data may also include data representative of informationthat was entered by the customer. This may include for example theamount or phone number data which can be used in delivering furthermarketing or products to the customer.

In the exemplary embodiment the marketing server operates in response toreceipt of the marketing acknowledgment message to update theinformation stored in its associated data store. This may include forexample updating the information associated with the user to indicatethe next presentation to be made to the user. Alternatively themarketing server may analyze the customer's responses and determinethrough comparison to programmed parameters that the current campaignbeing displayed to the customer should be discontinued and that adifferent campaign or no campaign at all should be presented. Inaddition the marketing server may also operate to forward dataconcerning the customer's responses to an appropriate work station orother system which may use the information that the customer has inputfor purposes of delivering products or marketing to the customer.

A useful aspect of the exemplary system described is that it has thecapability of translating messages between a wide variety of messageformats in accordance with configuration data stored in its associateddatabase. As a result the system may generate a message to a terminal216 which can take the necessary steps to have the user's checkingaccount opened for example. Terminal 216 may be connected throughanother external network 218 or through a dial-up or other connection.Messages suitable for communicating with the terminal 216 may beproduced by transforming internal messages to a suitable format forterminal 216 through an MGR 220, which delivers the messages through asuitable driver 222.

One or more timing components 224 may be operative in the network toassure the delivery and receipt of appropriate responses to messagesoutput by the system. This may include, for example, responses todownloaded presentation data which include logic script for a particularuser at a terminal to which responsive data is expected. The timingcomponents may be used to assure the effective communication of messagesbetween the market message server 170 and other connected data warehouseand data management systems or other system components.

As will be appreciated, the ability of the exemplary system todistribute presentation materials in numerous formats to transactionterminals which may be of different types is useful in enablingoperation of the marketing system across an installed base of differentterminal types. In addition, the ability of the present invention toactivate market presentations in terminals that communicate throughdifferent formats as well as to export and import data from otherconnected systems which may utilize different formats and message types,presents opportunities for developing and presenting numerous varietiesof marketing presentations.

FIGS. 14 through 31 show an exemplary transaction conducted at an ATMand the logic flow associated therewith. In this exemplary transaction,both the 1:1 agent and the ESD agent are operative to cause marketingpresentations to be made. It should be understood that in embodiments ofthe invention the functions carried out by either agent may be affectedabsent the activities of the other. Variations of the features andfunctions described herein may be utilized in numerous types of systemswhich include transaction terminals by employing the principles of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, a screen 226 is output by the terminal. Screen 226is in the nature of an idle screen which is presented by the ATM when itis waiting to begin a transaction. Of course, machines may also operatein an idle condition to output presentations based on the availablepresentation materials in an attract mode. This may include, forexample, periodically displaying a screen indicating to the customer howto begin a transaction while playing an MPEG file or displaying screensor providing other outputs that will tend to draw a user's attention tothe ATM screen.

In response to the screen 226 a user inserts their card, and the cardreader in the ATM reads the user's PAN from the magnetic stripe or otherindicia on the card. In response to sensing the PAN input on thecommunication subsystem 136, the 1:1 agent is operative in accordancewith its state logic to send a marketing request message including thedata corresponding to PAN to the market message server 170.

As indicated by the logic steps shown adjacent to screen 226, the ESDagent may also be operative in response to the input of the card. Forexample, the ESD agent may be configured in its state logic to look forcustomers of banks other than the bank owning the ATM, and to providespecial messages to them in order to encourage them to switch theirbusiness to the bank operating the ATM. Of course, this logic in the ESDagent is exemplary of how the ESD agent may operate to do targetedmarketing to users of the ATM.

The ATM terminal configuration in its normal operation responds to acard read event by presenting a subsequent screen. In this exemplaryembodiment the next screen is a screen 228 shown in FIG. 15 whichprompts a user to input their PIN number and to press a particularfunction key when done. As indicated by the logic steps next to screen228, during this time the 1:1 agent will generally have received amarketing response message from the market message server includinglogic script which indicates which screen presentation(s) is(are) to bemade and connective logic is to be employed. In this exemplaryembodiment the 1:1 agent is configured to make these presentations uponthe completion of the PIN input operation. As a result, the customer'stouching of the key indicating completion of the PIN entry event issensed by the agent.

The next screen that is normally seen in the course of the ATMtransaction is indicated 230 and shown in FIG. 16. However, in thisexemplary embodiment the 1:1 agent has operated in accordance with itsstate logic to begin controlling operation of the machine in response tothe PIN input. As a result the user is not presented with screen 230 atthis time but instead is presented with a different screen such asscreen 232 shown in FIG. 17.

Achieving the modification of the screen flows normally carried out bythe ATM without significant modification of the financial transactionlogic may be accomplished in various ways. For example, the 1:1 agentmay be operative to open a window overlying transaction screen 230 whichcauses the screen that the agent is causing to present to cover thetransaction selection screen 230. The transaction selection screen maycontinue to run in the background. Alternatively, a modified state andscreen flow may be included in the state/screen application 148. Thismodified state and screen logic flow may provide for the execution ofsteps designated by the 1:1 agent before presentation of the transactionselection screen 230. Alternatively, other approaches may be used fordelaying or deferring the presentation of a next ATM transaction screento the user to enable the agent to execute in accordance with its statelogic.

It should be understood that the 1:1 agent is configured such that if nomessage has been received from the market message server indicating amarketing message to present to the customer, the ATM will be allowed toproceed to the transaction selection screen 230. The state flow logicoperating in the agent 150 may cause the operation of the machine todefault to its standard logic flow if the agent has nothing to present.Alternatively the 1:1 agent may be configured to output a defaultmarketing screen or presentation if a marketing response message is notreceived timely.

In the exemplary transaction the 1:1 agent 150 has received a marketingresponse message from the market message server which causes screen 232to be displayed. The agent 150 operates responsive to the presentationdata in the message to cause the computer in the ATM to retrieve thedata from memory to present this screen. The screen as stored in memoryincludes a space for the customer's name that corresponds to the dataincluded in the marketing response message. Alternatively the agent maybe operative to fill the space in the screen with the customer's name asread from the card. Screen 232 includes a message which asks thecustomer if they're interested in a credit card. It includes a questionrequesting that the customer make a decision. The 1:1 agent operates tocause the message 232 to be displayed until the customer responds bytouching a “yes” or “no” function key or until the agent times outwithout the customer responding. In the case of a time out the agentwill cause the next screen as dictated by the presentation data, or ifno further screen data is included, screen 230 will be displayed.

In situations where the agent 150 is operative to overlie the normaltransaction screen, the ATM programming continues to run in thebackground. Generally if a customer does not provide a response within agiven time, the ATM is configured to present a screen asking thecustomer if they need more time. Such a screen is indicated 234 in FIG.18. In embodiments in which the 1:1 agent is operating to overlie theusual transaction screens rather than operating in accordance with localstates and screens to present the marketing messages, the 1:1 agentoperates to prevent a machine time-out. This is accomplished by the 1:1agent sensing the presentation of the time-out screen through thecommunications subsystem 136. The 1:1 agent then responds by providingan input which simulates the user providing an input that they need moretime. In this way the financial transaction will not be stopped by thepresentation of the marketing information.

If in response to screen 232 the customer indicates that they areinterested in the credit card offer, the 1:1 agent operates responsiveto the presentation data and causes a screen 236 shown in FIG. 19 to bedisplayed. The agent also makes note of the customer's response forpurposes of formulating the acknowledgment message that it willeventually send to the market message server. Screen 236 is producedresponsive to a prompt step and prompts the user to input their daytimephone number and to press a particular function key to confirm thenumber or to press another key to start over. The agent enables theappropriate keys in response to the presentation data. The agent sensesthe inputs to the keypad and the function keys through the communicationsubsystem 136 and captures the data. The configuration of the 1:1 agentis further operative to time-out and return to the normal transactionscreen if the input is not completed within the time indicated in thepresentation data. Of course, if a customer declines the offer in screen232, the agent may be operative to then present the normal ATMtransaction screen 230, or alternatively may be operative to presentadditional screens, print coupons or the like. For example, even if theuser declines the offer of the credit card, the machine operator maywish to provide a promotional message to instill good feelings about theinstitution. This may be done, for example, by the presentation offurther promotional messages such as screen 238 shown in FIG. 20. Screen238 tells the customer that they have been entered in a sweepstakes.Screen 238 may also be presented after screen 236, after the customerhas input the appropriate response. The presentations output depend onthe steps and logic script included in the presentation data in theresponse message sent by the market message server to the 1:1 agent.Alternatively in other embodiments the logic scripts may be stored inmemory at the ATM and activated selectively in response to presentationdata in the messages received and/or logic programmed in connection withthe agent.

After the completion of the marketing session by the 1:1 agent, screen240 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. This is the next normal ATM screenand corresponds to transaction selection screen 230. Screen 240 isproduced either by the 1:1 agent closing the window overlying the normalscreen or by following the local states and screens logic in whichscreen 240 is the next screen produced as the logic flow moves to thenext state. In response to screen 240 the customer inputs theirtransaction selection, which in this exemplary transaction is to receivemoney. The 1:1 agent also generally operates at a time during theremainder of the financial transaction or thereafter to send anacknowledgment message indicative of the results of any decision orprompt messages back to the market message server. The generation of amessage to the market message server is caused in an exemplaryembodiment of the invention by the logic associated with the 1:1 agentwhich results in an acknowledgment being sent to all response messages.This can be used to confirm the presentation was made. Alternatively theagent may only send an acknowledgment when it has received a messagefrom the server which includes an indication that it expects a customerresponse. Alternatively, the 1:1 agent may be configured to send anacknowledgment message in response to each message it receives whichincludes an instruction to present a question or prompt, which messageprovides the responsive inputs (if any) from the user. Additionally, orin the alternative, the 1:1 agent may send its acknowledgment messagesback to the market message server at a later time, either individuallyor as part of a batch. The particular approach used will depend on theneeds of the operator of the particular system and the configuration ofthe 1:1 agent.

In response to the user's selection of a dispense transaction in screen240, an account selection screen indicated 242 in FIG. 22 is presented.In this example the customer chooses to withdraw money from theirchecking account. The next screen presented is screen 244 which is shownin FIG. 23. In this screen a customer is requested to input an amountand to confirm the amount they wish to receive. As indicated in thisexemplary transaction, the customer requests a $100 withdrawal fromchecking and confirms the request by touching a function key.

As previously discussed in connection with FIG. 1, in the usual ATMtransaction processing, the ATM is operative at this point to generate arequest message and to forward the message to the financial transactionhost. The host now determines if the transaction may be authorized andto provide a response. In this case the ATM would normally present the“please wait” screen 246 shown in FIG. 24. However, in this exemplaryembodiment the ESD agent 152 is configured to cause the ATM to presentpromotional messages at this point in the transaction where time isavailable and the user is waiting for their money. In this exemplarytransaction, the ESD agent is configured to sense the confirming inputby the customer on the communication subsystem 136 and to begin theexecution of its state logic in response thereto. It should also beunderstood that the 1:1 agent 150 may alternatively be operative in thislull time period to present marketing presentations in the mannerpreviously described.

In this exemplary embodiment the ESD agent operates in accordance withits configuration to present a screen 248 shown in FIG. 25. Screen 248may be a static display screen or alternatively may include movingportions which may be achieved by executing MPEG files or otherpresentations which get the customer's attention. In addition, theparticular presentation made may depend on the time of year, day of theweek, the time of day, the customer's account number or other parametersas defined by the ESD agent state logic.

Screen 248 prompts the user to select whether they would like to have acoupon printed for a discount on the purchase of a beverage. Forpurposes of this exemplary transaction, it is presumed that the userselects to have the coupon printed by providing the corresponding input.The ESD agent then is operative to control transaction function devicessuch as a printer in the ATM to print the coupon. The appearance of thecoupon is based on the coupon layout data stored in the data storeassociated with the computer in the ATM. In addition, the ESD agentpresents a further screen 250 shown in FIG. 26 prompting the user totake their coupon and re-emphasizing the promotional message. The ESDagent is also operative to capture information about the coupondispensing event for later reporting to the market message server. Ofcourse, if the customer declined the coupon, the fact of this event isalso recorded, but the coupon is not printed.

If for some reason the ESD agent does not include state logic to carryout these steps responsive to the transaction inputs, or is deliberatelymade inoperative to carry out this marketing presentation transactionresponsive to stored parameters, the ESD agent is operative to cause thenormal “please wait” screen 246 to be displayed until the next screen isdisplayed in the ATM transaction logic flow. In addition, the exemplaryform of the system provides for locking in the ESD agent executionscript during each ATM transaction. This prevents the promotionalmessage from being changed to a different campaign presentation whilethe customer is in the midst of operating the machine. This mightotherwise occur due to time dependent routing and/or release ofmarketing campaigns which are held in the in box of the ESD agent.

In this exemplary transaction during the output of screen 250 shown inFIG. 26, the coupon application 154 causes the coupon to be printed andpresented by the ATM. After the coupon is presented, the ESD agentcauses the next transaction screen that would occur in the conventionaloperation of the ATM to be displayed. As by this point the ATM hasreceived a response message from the host, the ATM configuration isready to operate in response to the state information in the responsemessage to present the next transaction screen. Assuming the transactionis authorized, the ATM operates to dispense the cash. Screen 252 shownin FIG. 27 is then displayed. Screen 252 prompts the customer to takethe cash which has been dispensed. The state flow logic configuration ofthe ATM further causes the receipt printer to print a receipt for thecustomer. It should be understood that in some embodiments this mayinvolve an additional screen presentation which asks the customerwhether they would like to have a receipt and only prints the receipt inresponse to an affirmative customer request.

Assuming that the receipt is printed, the configuration then causes ascreen 254 shown in FIG. 28 to be displayed. This screen prompts thecustomer to take their receipt. The next transaction screen indicated256 in FIG. 29 prompts the user concerning whether they wish to conductanother transaction. If the customer inputs an affirmative responseduring the display of screen 256, the ATM is configured to return to thepoint in its logic sequence where the transaction selection screen isdisplayed. In this exemplary embodiment the 1:1 agent and the ESD agentare configured through their state logic to present only one promotionper customer visit. As a result, the standard transaction logic flowwill run without the promotional presentations previously described.However, in alternative embodiments different or additional promotionalpresentations might be presented to the customer during subsequenttransactions during the same visit. It should also be understood that insome embodiments the agents may carry out multiple sessions during asingle transaction. This might be done in situations where a customerhas provided an input expressing interest in an offer and the marketingserver delivers a follow up presentation to the 1:1 agent while thecustomer is still at the machine.

In this exemplary transaction the customer declines additionaltransactions when screen 256 is presented. The ESD agent is operative tosense the negative input through the communication subsystem 136. Inthis exemplary embodiment this causes the ESD agent to present a furtherpromotional screen indicated 258 in FIG. 30. In this example, screen 258is a promotional screen which reinforces the promotion presented to thecustomer. It should also be understood that while this screen isdescribed as being generated by the ESD agent, in other embodiments the1:1 agent could also produce the output of a similar screen.

The transaction is completed with the return of the customer's card tothe customer. Normally this is accomplished with a screen indicated 260in FIG. 31. However, the ESD agent may be operative in accordance withits state logic to open a promotional window 262 in the backgroundbehind window 260. This enables presentations of promotional messages orother messages to the customer. In addition, the ESD agent may continueto run various graphics in the background as the ATM logic returns thescreen flow to the original screen 226. Screen 226 like screen 260 maybe displayed in a window either in the foreground or background by theESD agent so as to enable promotional and/or attract messages to bedisplayed while the machine is waiting for the arrival of the nextcustomer.

It should be understood that the foregoing transaction is exemplary ofthe capabilities of systems of the present invention. Many alternativesfor presenting marketing messages and receiving customer responses tomarketing presentations are encompassed by the principles of the presentinvention. As will be appreciated, a useful aspect of the exemplarysystem is the ability to handle marketing messages and responsesindependently of the financial authorization messages. In someembodiments, the use of separate communications for such messagesfacilitates presenting marketing materials without disruption in thetransaction processing capabilities of the ATM. Further, the describedembodiment enables the provision of marketing capability at the ATMmodification of the underlying programming of the financialauthorization system. It should further be understood that while theexemplary form of the invention is described in connection withmarketing type messages, the invention is also applicable to thecommunication of other types of messages and information.

FIG. 90 is a schematic view of an alternative system indicated 420 inwhich marketing presentations are presented to users at an ATM. Insystem 420 marketing messages are directed to a user on a targetedbasis. The presentations are targeted to the user based on informationconcerning the user stored in the data store associated with themarketing server schematically indicated 422. In the exemplary system420 customers for which data is not stored in connection with themarketing server receive a general presentation suitable for users ofthe machine.

In system 420 the logic flow associated with the ATM is represented bypoints along a line 424. The points along the line represent states orother logic steps executed by the ATM in carrying out a transaction. TheATM 426 (see FIGS. 91-96) has a software agent 428 installed in thecomputer operating therein. Agent 428 is similar to the 1:1 agent andother agents previously described. In this exemplary embodiment theagent is connected to the ATM logic flow to present marketingpresentations to users on a targeted basis.

When a user begins to conduct a transaction at the ATM 426, thetransaction may begin with the user inserting their card into the cardreader of the ATM. This is represented by FIG. 91. In the logic flow ofthe ATM represented in FIG. 90, the activities associated with readingthe card are represented by a card read step or state 430. In responseto this activity the PAN is read from the customer's card. The ATM 426includes a state 432 in which the agent 428 is activated. The agentoperates to send data corresponding to the PAN in a marketing requestmessage 434 to the marketing server 422. It should be understood thatwhile a user's PAN is used as the identifying information for the userin this exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments other data whichuniquely identifies the user may be used.

In response to receipt of the marketing request message the marketingserver resolves the presentation to be displayed to the particular userbased on data related to the user stored in the data store. In theexemplary embodiment if information concerning the user is not stored inthe data store, or if the user has data associated therewith whichindicates that the user declines the presentation of marketing messages,a general presentation suitable for users of all types may be resolved.Once the marketing server has resolved a presentation for the customer,the marketing server sends a marketing response message 436 includingdata representative of the presentation to the ATM. In the exemplaryembodiment the marketing response message corresponds to a presentationwhich includes instructions which cause the ATM to present a questionscreen to which a customer may respond with a yes/no answer, as well asresponse screens to be presented responsive to the nature of the user'sinput.

While the marketing server 422 is resolving the presentation data forthe user and configuring the marketing response message, the logic flowassociated with the ATM moves to a PIN entry state 438 in which the useris prompted to enter their personal identification number (PIN). Theuser is then prompted to select a transaction function at a selectfunction state 440. It will be presumed for purposes of this examplethat the customer selects a withdrawal transaction.

The logic flow of the ATM next moves to a state in which the customer isprompted to select the particular account upon which the transactionwill be conducted. A single account number may be correlated withseveral accounts including checking, savings, credit card or other typesof accounts. The ATM prompts the user to select the account type in astate 442. Thereafter the machine moves in its logic flow to a state444. In state 444 the user is prompted to input the dollar amount of thetransaction that they wish to conduct. As the user has provided all theinformation necessary to present a request to conduct a financialtransaction, the exemplary ATM then moves to a state 446 in its logicflow. In state 446 the ATM operates to send the transaction requestmessage schematically indicated 448, to a financial host computer 450.The steps associated with sending the transaction request message to thefinancial host computer is also represented in FIG. 92.

After executing the steps associated with the transaction requestsending state 446 the transaction flow of the ATM moves to a read state452. In read state 452 the agent 428 operates to cause the output of thepresentation corresponding to the presentation data in the marketingresponse message through one or more output devices on an ATM. In thisexemplary embodiment the ATM agent operates responsive to thepresentation data in the message to recall from the data storeassociated with the computer in the ATM, screen data. This screen dataincludes a question that the customer may respond to with a yes or noanswer. In addition the agent operates to enable the keys through whichthe customer may input appropriate responsive inputs. The agent operatesto sense a customer input, and then operates to cause the computer tooutput another screen responsive to the script logic in the presentationdata. This further screen may be tailored to the responsive input fromthe user. Alternatively if the customer does not provide the requestedinput, the agent operates in accordance with the time-out instructionsincluded in the presentation data to discontinue the marketing sessionwith the user. In addition the agent 428 may also operate to causecoupons to be output or additional presentations to be made in themanner previously discussed. For purposes of this transaction it will bepresumed that the user provides a responsive input to the screen outputas represented in FIG. 93.

While the customer is presented with the marketing information, thefinancial transaction host 450 generates a transaction response 454 tothe transaction request message. The transaction response generallyindicates that the transaction may proceed or is to be denied. After themarketing session the agent 428 enables the logic flow within the ATM tomove to a next state 456 in which the ATM receives the transactionresponse data from the host. In response to receiving the transactionresponse, the logic flow moves to a state 458 in which the transactionis carried out through operation of the transaction function devices inthe ATM. In this exemplary transaction the functions include thedispense of cash to the user. This is represented in FIG. 95. Of courseif the transaction response message 454 indicates that the transactioncannot be carried out, the function state 458 causes the computer tooperate so that the ATM presents to the user an indication that thetransaction cannot be completed or other appropriate information.

In the exemplary transaction, after completing the cash dispensingfunction the ATM then moves to close the transaction. This may includefor example executing steps in states associated with returning the cardto the user or prompting the user to indicate through an input whetherthey wish to conduct another transaction. The ATM will also executesteps in states that provide the user with a receipt for thetransactions conducted. The ATM computer also takes steps to make arecord of the transaction that has been performed. To confirm to thefinancial host 450 that the transaction requested was completed, thecomputer operates in a state 460 to send transaction completion message462 to the financial host. This advises the host computer that thetransaction was completed and that the customer's account should becharged for the funds dispensed. This step is schematically alsoindicted in FIG. 96.

Either during the course of the financial transaction or thereafter, theATM agent 428 operates to forward a marketing acknowledgment message 464to the marketing server. The marketing acknowledgment message preferablyincludes identifying data concerning the customer as well as dataindicative of the responsive inputs that they have provided to thepresentations. This data is processed by the marketing server asrequired to determine the presentation that will be provided to the useron subsequent occasions, or to satisfy the request that the user hasinput. The sending of the marketing acknowledgment message 464 isschematically represented in FIG. 94.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system 420 shown in FIG. 90, theprocessing of the financial request message to determine whether thetransaction is authorized is conducted during the same time period thatthe marketing presentations are being made to the user. This may reducethe time that the transaction may be prolonged due to marketingpresentations. In addition the use of the agent to acquire thepresentation data during the time that the customer is inputting datanecessary to carry out the financial transaction reduces transactiontime. The delivery of the acknowledgment message to a computer otherthan the computer which handles financial transactions avoids the needfor additional processing within the financial transaction host. Thisavoids the need to modify the standardized operation of the financialhost. The system also enables the customer input data to be deliveredeither during or after the financial transaction which also potentiallyreduces the time required to carry out the transaction. The exemplarysystem also enables the marketing presentation to be determinedindependent of the entity authorizing the financial transaction.

FIG. 97 shows yet a further alternative embodiment of a system of thepresent invention generally indicated 466. System 466 is similar tosystem 420 except as otherwise indicated. System 466 enables thedelivery of marking presentations at an ATM that is configured so that asingle state is responsible for both sending the transaction requestmessage to the financial transaction host and receiving the transactionresponse which dictates the next function to carry out. Many existingATMs are programmed in this manner and the system shown in FIG. 97enables such ATMs to include the marketing capability previouslydescribed without modifying this underlying programming of the stateresponsible for sending and receiving the financial messages.

As in the previously discussed embodiment the customer initiates atransaction by providing an identifying input such as the input of acard which includes a PAN. This is accomplished in a card read state468. The ATM next moves to a write state 470 in which the customeridentifying PAN data is caused by an agent 472 installed on the computerin the ATM to send a marketing request message. The marketing requestmessage 474 is sent to the marketing server 476. The marketing serveroperates to resolve the presentation to be made to the user and includesdata representative of the resolved presentation in a marketing responsemessage 478.

After the customer enters their card, the ATM proceeds in its logic flowthrough a PIN entry state 480, a select function state 482 and a selectaccount state 44. For purposes of this exemplary transaction it willagain be assumed that the user is requesting a dispense of cash. Theuser inputs the dollar amount to be dispensed and the ATM executes thedollar entry state 486.

After the dollar entry state the logic flow moves to a read state 488.In the read state 488 the agent operates in the manner previouslydescribed to deliver the marketing presentation to the user. Afterdelivering the presentation the ATM agent also operates to cause the ATMto send an acknowledgment message 490 to the marketing server 476. Theacknowledgment message includes any responsive input data from thecustomer. As previously discussed this acknowledgment message may besent either while the financial transaction is ongoing or subsequent tothe completion thereof.

After the agent operates to provide the marketing presentation the logicflow of the ATM proceeds to a transaction state 492. In the transactionstate the ATM operates to send a transaction request 494 to thefinancial host 496. In the transaction state 492 the logic flow waitsfor a transaction response message 498 before moving to the next statein the logic flow. In this exemplary embodiment the user may bepresented with a “please wait” or other screen during this period. Ofcourse as previously discussed embodiments of the invention may alsopresent marketing campaign messages during this time period.

In response to the transaction response message 498 the ATM operates toexecute the function in accordance with the response by executing stepsin a state 500. The ATM logic flow then moves to close the transactionin the manner previously discussed. This includes sending a transactioncompletion message 502 to the transaction host to confirm that thetransaction was carried out successfully. Of course the ATM logic flowalso goes through additional steps to close the transaction in a mannersimilar to that previously discussed.

It should be understood that while presentations have been discussed asbeing made during cash dispensing transactions, this is exemplary. Thepresent invention may be used to provide for presentations to be outputduring many types of transactions which are conducted at an ATM or othertransaction machine.

An advantage of the exemplary system shown in 466 shown in FIG. 97 isthat the functionality of providing targeted marketing messages to usersis achieved in existing ATM systems in which the activities associatedwith sending a transaction request and receiving a transaction responseare carried out within a single state within the ATM logic flow. Thisavoids the need to modify such ATMs other than by installing the ATMagent on the computer operating in the ATM, and adding the states whichoperate in connection with the ATM software agent. Such states may berelatively simple programs which can be included as part of the statelogic flow executed by the ATM. For example an exemplary write statesuch as state 470 may include the logic necessary to send the message tothe marketing server and the next state to move to in the logic flow.Alternative configurations of the write state may require that themarketing response message be received before moving on to the nextstate. In such cases the write state will preferably include a time-outperiod after which the logic flow moves on to the next ATM state if nomarketing request message has been received.

Similarly exemplary embodiments of the read state 488 in whichpresentations are delivered responsive to the operation of the ATM agentare also relatively simple to include in the logic flow of the machine.Such exemplary read states may include instructions on the next state inthe logic to proceed to after the presentation is made. Such states mayalso include time-out values so the logic flow may move forward in theevent that there is a problem with the presentation or the customerinput of a response. State 488 may also include instructions which causethe display of certain default screens or presentations in the eventthat a marketing response message has not been received.

As can be appreciated the inclusion of these additional states in theATM programming logic generally do not impact the performance ofactivities associated with other states. Such additional states may beinstalled on the ATM by being configured and downloaded into the memoryof the ATM terminal. Alternatively, the ATM may be programmed in variousways with the necessary logic flow and the software agent that enablescarrying out the marketing function. In addition marketing presentationmaterials may also be downloaded into the local data store associatedwith the ATM in the manner which will be hereinafter described.

In the exemplary embodiment, operators of the system are enabled toselectively distribute and display presentation materials at ATMs orother transaction terminals that are connected to the system. This isaccomplished in the exemplary embodiment by a data-driven system whichincludes a structured user interface to acquire the necessaryinformation about the ATMs connected to the system, the presentationmaterials and the promotional campaigns to be presented. The requireddata is then downloaded to the ATMs through the TCP/IP network and otherconnected networks. The message processing programs (MPPs) and themessage gateway routers (MGRs) do the necessary processing and messageconversions to load the presentation materials and activation script toeach respective ESD agent operating in an ATM. The system of theexemplary embodiment also receives the results of the campaigninformation and may selectively provide analysis thereof. In addition,the system is enabled to import data such as presentation materials fromand to export data and other information to other systems which operateusing different message types and formats.

In the exemplary embodiment the market message server is operative toprovide the messages and instructions to both the ESD agent and the 1:1agent. In this exemplary embodiment the market server is also operativeto distribute the presentation materials used by the 1:1 agent topresent targeted messages to a customer. Messages from the 1:1 agentincluding the customer's PAN are routed through an MGR to one or moreMPPs. The MPP determines the response message and the included datarepresentative of the appropriate presentation which the 1:1 agent usesto provide outputs at the ATM. Similarly, the market message server inthe exemplary embodiment also receives and analyzes the acknowledgmentmessages from the 1:1 agent that include the results of its activitiesand responsive inputs from customers. It should be understood that inother embodiments the function for communicating with the 1:1 agent aswell as for loading presentation materials used by the 1:1 agent mayreside on a separate computer from the computer that communicates withthe ESD agent. Indeed, in other embodiments, the system whichcommunicates with the 1:1 agent may be a separate computer from the onewhich operates the ESD agent. Also, ATMs may include the 1:1 agent butnot the ESD agent and vice versa. The particular configuration willdepend on the desires of the operator of the ATMs. It should further beunderstood that the various arrangements of computers and data storesdiscussed herein are exemplary and systems with different arrangementsof computers and data stores, and which distribute functions in otherways, may be used in embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 88 shows schematically an exemplary configuration for componentswhich make up a system of the invention. In this exemplary embodimentall of the components are connected to a common network 504 such as aTCP/IP network. Of course other network types may be used. The marketingdata used in the system may generally be imported from one or morecomputers schematically indicated 506 which serves as a data warehouse.Data warehouse computers may include information on customers, marketsegments, campaign information or other customer presentationinformation. In the exemplary system the data from the data warehouse isput to work in the marketing server 508. The marketing server hasmachine data associated therewith such as features of automatedtransaction machines and the capabilities thereof. The marketing serveralso has available information about the distribution of presentationmaterials into the local memories at the ATMs. Customer identifying datasuch as customer PAN information and other information about customersis also stored in connection with the marketing server. The marketingserver also operates to determine presentations to be made to customersand to receive customer responses to those presentations, whichresponses may be used for selling and marketing products.

As represented in FIG. 89 the distribution of presentations to local ATMmemories as well as the development of marketing campaigns to users ingeneral or groups of users, may be configured from a separate computerschematically indicated 516. Computer 516 of the exemplary embodimentoperates software provided by the assignee of the present inventionunder the trademark Iq® ESD. Of course it should be understood that themessage presentation software may also operated in the marketing server.As also represented in FIG. 89, workstations 512 are also connected inthe network. Workstations may be used for inputting data as well as forcontrolling the distribution of presentations and the development ofcampaigns. Workstations may also be used as output devices for obtainingreports and customer data. The customer data may also be used forcontacting users concerning products that they have expressed aninterest or for delivery of products that users have ordered throughoperation of the system.

As represented in FIGS. 88 and 89 presentation data 514 is stored in theexemplary embodiment in memory on the ATMs. One or more agents 516 areinstalled in the computer operating on the ATM and are operativeresponsive to their programming to output the presentations stored inmemory. In addition as represented in FIG. 88, a separate financial hostcomputer 518 is operative to carry out the financial transactionsrequested by users at the ATMs.

As previously discussed, exemplary forms of the present invention enablevarious types of selected marketing activities to users of automatedtransaction machines. The marketing may be tailored to attributes of theparticular user as well as to the user's location or othercircumstances. The marketing activities may also be controlled by theowner of the machine rather than the entity which has the financialaccount relationship with the customer. This may be particularlyadvantageous in circumstances where the entity with which a user has anaccount relationship may have no interest in marketing certain productsthat may be of interest to the user. The capabilities of the exemplaryembodiment to provide marketing capabilities within the context ofexisting ATM transaction authorization systems is also useful inenabling such capabilities on existing ATM systems.

FIG. 32 schematically represents an exemplary organization of data whichis used in connection with a server that distributes presentations toATMs and which causes presentations to be presented responsive tooperation of the ESD agents. FIG. 32 is representative of screens whichare output through a graphical user interface of the system. The boxesare representative of screens produced responsive to operator inputs tothe system. The arrows are representative of the logic flow which thesystem employs to obtain the input of data and instructions to thesystem. This input data is then stored in connection with theappropriate records so that it can be utilized by the MPPs and MGRs ofthe system for distribution, presentation and analysis of marketingmaterial.

In the operation of the system, an operator wishing to access thefeatures provided by the market message server is first required toinput a recognized password. This is generally done through aworkstation that is connected in a network with the server. Theworkstation includes the input and output devices used by the operator.The input of a password is indicated by screen 264 in FIG. 32. Uponentry of a recognized password the software causes the market messageserver to present the user with a main screen indicated 266 and shown ingreater detail in FIG. 33. Screen 266 is the primary screen foraccessing the data and instructions underlying operation of the system.It includes a listing of the marketing campaigns 268 which are currentlyactive.

An icon 269 enables an operator to selectively view either thosecampaigns that they are specifically associated with, or all campaignswhich are operating in the system. Main screen 266 also includes icons270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290. Selectingthese icons enables a user to access and modify the associated datawhich controls operation of the system. It should be understood thatwhile a Microsoft® Windows® type graphical user interface is presentedin the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments of the invention othertypes of interfaces may be used. These include, for example, non-visualtype interfaces through which a user may input and receive data.

In operation of the system the user is enabled to define the data whichcontrols the system operation. Such data may generally be populated inany order, and it should be understood that the examples presentedherein are exemplary. To provide or view the current information aboutATMs and other transaction terminals, a user may select icon 284 in FIG.33. The selection of icon 284 causes an SST management window 292 shownin FIG. 68 to be presented. Screen 292 includes a listing of ATMs orother transaction terminals which are operating in connection with thesystem. This window displays the terminal names, identification data,location, configuration data and the merchants with which each terminalis associated. By selecting icons 294 the user is enabled to add, modifyor delete terminal information from screen 292. In addition, byselecting an icon 296 a user is enabled to view a location screen laterdiscussed, and by selecting an icon 298 a user is enabled to view amerchant list as later discussed.

By highlighting and selecting one of the selected terminals in screen292, a user is enabled to view selected information about that terminal.The information includes data corresponding to attributes of the ATMterminal. Selecting a terminal from screen 292 causes a screen 300 likethat shown in FIG. 69 to be displayed. Screen 300 includes informationabout the particular terminal including its location, features and otherinformation. Screen 300 includes configuration data indicated 302 forthe particular terminal. This data may include, for example, thepresentation materials resident on the terminal as well as local stateand screen data, when local states and screens are used. Theconfiguration data can be modified by selecting an icon 304. Selectingicon 304 from screen 300 causes a screen 306 to be displayed which isshown in FIG. 74. Screen 306 lists feature sets which are included onthe ATM. By selecting icons 308 in screen 306, the user is enabled toadd, delete and edit feature sets. For example, if a user inputs aselection to add a feature set, a screen 310 shown in FIG. 75 isdisplayed. Screen 310 enables a user to provide a name and descriptionfor the particular feature set. The user then selects one of the icons312 to accept or edit the feature set description.

Alternatively, by selecting a feature set in screen 306 or by indicatingthat they wish to define a new feature set in screen 310, the systemprovides a feature set definition screen 314, which is shown in detailin FIG. 76. Screen 314 indicates the feature set and its description aswell as the features that are available on the terminal to operate inconnection with the presentation materials. Screen 314 further includesthe particular features that are available on the terminal as well ascurrently defined features that are enabled to be added to the terminalbased on the available feature types that the terminal can operate.

For a selected feature type, a user is enabled to review and set up therules which control the presentation of that feature on the terminal.For example, if a user selects “coupon rules” from the available featureselection, a screen 316 shown in FIG. 77 is presented. This enables auser to define the coupon feature and description for the particularterminal. By selecting the “coupon selection” feature type from screen314, a coupon selection screen 318 shown in detail in FIG. 78, isdisplayed. Screen 318 enables a user to define the screen layoutsassociated with a coupon selection feature definition. As can beappreciated from screen 318, a user is enabled to designate whichfunction keys are active on the interface for a coupon presentation.

Selection of graphics under the available feature types from screen 314causes a screen 320, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 79, to bedisplayed. Screen 320 enables an operator to set up graphic definitionsfor particular icons which will be presented on the screen of the ATM asreferenced in the layout shown in screen 318.

Selection of the local screen file designator among the availablefeature types in screen 314 causes a local screen file featuredefinition screen 322 to be displayed. Screen 322, which is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 80, enables the user to review and inputinformation describing a local screen file stored at the terminal.Likewise, selection of the local state file from the available featuretypes in screen 314, causes a screen 324 to be displayed. Screen 324enables the user to input and review information concerning a localstate which is present in the state logic operating the ATM. Such localstates may include states such as states 432, 470, 452, 488 or otherstates that enable the graphical presentations to be presented atcertain times in the logic flow. Likewise, selection of the moviefeature under the available feature types in screen 314, causes a screen326 to be displayed. Screen 326, which is shown in greater detail inFIG. 82, enables the user to provide and review information concerningthe video format and type that the particular terminal may present.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, an operator isenabled to set up the configuration data for each ATM by populating orchanging the data in the screens which may be accessed by makingselections from screen 300 shown in FIG. 69. In addition, operators areenabled to add new ATMs to the system from either the screen 292 shownin FIG. 68 or screen 300 shown in FIG. 69. This may be done by selectingicon 294 in screen 292 or the “define new location” icon in screen 300.Selecting these icons causes a screen 328 to be displayed. Screen 328 isshown in greater detail in FIG. 71. Screen 328 includes a template forinformation to be input regarding each ATM which is referred to as aself-service terminal (SST). Screen 328 is used to guide the operator toinput the required information about each ATM including informationabout a merchant with whom the ATM may be associated.

Selecting icon 296 from screen 292 causes a list of ATM locations to bedisplayed. This list is represented by a screen 330, which is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 70. Screen 330 provides a listing of alllocations for ATMs connected to the system.

Selecting icon 298 from screen 292 enables a user to display a merchantselection screen 332. Merchant selection screen 332 includes a listingof merchants who are associated with ATMs connected to the system. Themerchant selection screen is shown in greater detail in FIG. 72.Further, by selecting appropriate icons from screens 328 or 332, theuser is enabled to display a merchant add/edit screen 334. The merchantadd/edit screen which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 73, enables auser to input or modify the information concerning the merchantassociated with a particular ATM.

Thus it will be appreciated that the logic carried out by the softwareand the associated user interface enables an operator to enter the dataand instructions necessary to define the locations and characteristicsof ATMs and other self-service terminals that are connected to thesystem. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention enables anoperator of the system to establish selected groups of ATMs which willreceive campaign presentations. This is useful as it enables selectivelypresenting campaigns which are expected to be of interest to persons inthe particular location. This may involve promotions for the particularbusiness in which the ATM is located. Alternatively, an operator mayselectively distribute campaigns to ATMs that are in proximity tooperations of advertisers. Similarly, the division of ATMs into groupsmay be used to prevent the presentation of advertising that would beconsidered inappropriate in particular locations such as advertising ofcompetitive entities. However, as later discussed, presentations may beselectively “rolled back” at particular ATMs as well.

The user is enabled to define groups of ATMs by selecting icon 270 fromthe main screen 266. This causes a distribution list screen 336 to bedisplayed. Distribution list screen 336 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 34. Screen 334 shows the distribution list that had been created inthe system as well as the number of self-service terminals (SSTs) whichcomprise ATMs which are part of the group. Selecting an appropriate iconfrom screen 336 indicating that a group is to be added, causes a mainselection screen 338 to be displayed. Main selection screen 338 which isshown in greater detail in FIG. 35 enables a user to define a new namein the distribution list.

Selecting a particular distribution list name from screen 336 causes agroup properties screen 340 to be displayed. Screen 340 is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 36. Screen 340 enables an operator to selectivelyinclude and exclude ATMs in a group. This is done based on selectioncriteria such as machine properties and configuration data which anoperator may input from the screen 340. By selecting appropriate iconsthe user is enabled to review terminals that are included in any group.This is done by the system causing a screen 342 to be displayed. Screen342 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 37. The user is also enabled toedit the information concerning the particular terminal in screen 342.In addition to editing information, the user is further enabled todefine listings of key words that are associated with a particularterminal. By associating these particular key words with a giventerminal, a user is enabled to locate terminals having particularproperties more readily through use of the system. In addition, itshould be further understood that in this exemplary embodiment if ascreen is structured so that a user is enabled to modify data such asterminal information in a particular screen, modifications within onescreen will cause the system to modify the data that is displayed inother screens associated with the terminal. This enables the user tochange associated records by making a single change in a particularscreen.

From the distribution group property screen 340, an operator is furtherenabled to view a listing of selected terminals which is presented in ascreen 344. Screen 344 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 38. Screen 344displays a listing of the particular information which corresponds tothe terminals which make up a particular group. This enables the user tomore readily review the ATMs or other transaction terminals which makeup the set of terminals which display selected promotional campaigns.

There are at least two types of campaigns which may be presented tousers at ATMs in the exemplary embodiment. One type of campaign mayinvolve presentations which are intended to be targeted to a particularuser based on information that is stored in connection with themarketing server concerning the particular user. Such targeted campaignsmay include a sequence of presentations presented in a particular orderto the user on successive visits to an ATM connected to the system. Suchpresentations are output to the user through operation of the 1:1 agentas previously discussed. Another type of campaign is one that involvespresentations to all users of the ATM or categories of users who conducttransactions at the ATM. These campaigns include presentations that arenot resolved as specifically appropriate for the current user of themachine. In the exemplary embodiment, to carry out either type ofcampaign the presentations associated with the campaign must be loadedinto a local data store associated with a computer that runs in oradjacent to the ATM. In many embodiments the local data store used tostore the software programs which run the ATM is also suitable forstoring presentation materials. Increased storage capabilities may beachieved by applying data compression techniques to presentationmaterials such as LZW compression. In alternative embodiments otherlocal data stores and storage techniques may be used.

The loading of presentations which comprise campaigns is done by anoperator operating the exemplary form of the Iq® ESD system by selectingicon 272 in the main screen 266. This causes the system to display acampaign creation screen 346. The campaign creation screen is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 39. Screen 346 shows the campaign name,description, the group associated with the campaign, the current status,and the authorized operator or other entity identification associatedwith the campaign. By selection of appropriate icons in the screen 346,the user is enabled to add, edit or delete campaigns.

If in reviewing the current campaigns in screen 346 shown in FIG. 39, anoperator wishes to discard a current campaign, such as to replace itwith a new one, the operator is enabled to select an icon to send acampaign to a “waste basket.” From the screen 346 the user is enabled toaccess a waste basket screen 347. Screen 347 shows the campaigns whichhave been discarded to the waste basket. If an operator wishes toresurrect the campaign from the waste basket, either in its originalform or for modification, they may do so by selecting the appropriateicons in screen 347. As a result, the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention provides for preserving campaigns which have beendiscarded. This may prove valuable not only for reinstating campaignswhich are desirable, but also for evaluating performance of campaigns.The content of prior campaigns can be reviewed and compared to currentcampaigns for purposes of evaluating differences and customeracceptance.

Assuming that an operator makes a selection to add a campaign fromscreen 346, the system causes a screen 348 to be displayed. Screen 348which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 40 prompts the user to providea name for the campaign as well as a description. The user is alsoprovided with distribution lists of the ATM groups to which the campaignmay be distributed. The existing distribution list corresponding to thedistribution list data from screen 336 is displayed. The operator isalso provided with the option of creating a new distribution list inscreen 348.

In addition to designating the particular campaign and group to which itis distributed, the operator also defines the particular marketingpackage that they are going to distribute. This is accomplished by theuser following the logic for data entry presented by the system. Forexample, from screen 346 or 348 the user may access a screen 350. Screen350 is a create marketing package screen, which is shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 41. Screen 350 enables a user to select icons 352, 354,356, 358, 360 and 362. These icons enable a user to select theparticular components which will be included in the presentationmaterials that are delivered to the ATMs that will have the capabilityto carry out the campaign. Selection of the icons from screen 350 alsoenables the operator to set up the local state and screen configurationsfor selected terminals. This capability enables the inclusion of statesand screens in the logic flow which enables an ESD agent and/or a 1:1agent to deliver or output the presentation materials.

For example, from screen 350, selection of the icon 352 causes a screen364 to be presented. Screen 364 which is shown in greater detail in FIG.42 lists the coupon applications that are available to be sent to theATMs to provide coupons to a user. Selection of icon 354 in screen 350causes a screen 366 to be displayed. Screen 366, which is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 43, shows the available coupons. By selectingicons in screen 366, the user is enabled to add the particular couponsto the campaign being developed. A further useful aspect of theconfiguration of this exemplary embodiment is that the user is enabledto view the particular coupon layout as they are selecting it to add tothe presentation materials which comprise the campaign.

As can be appreciated from screen 366, the user is enabled to exit anddisplay a further screen 368, which is shown in detail in FIG. 44.Screen 348 includes a graphical representation simulating the userinterface of a particular type of ATM through which presentations willbe output. This representation enables an operator to graphically set upthe screen characteristics for the icons and graphics to be presented ina coupon presentation. The operator is enabled to set additional displayfeatures, including the different types of coupons a user is enabled toprint. In addition, the operator is enabled to select which inputbuttons will be operative when the particular screen associated with thepresentation is output. From screen 368 the operator is enabled toselect from a variety of images and graphics which may be presented to auser as part of the campaign.

As an operator makes selections in screen 368, the system of theexemplary embodiment is operative to enable the operator to setparameters for the displays. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, a screen370 is presented which is a modified form of screen 368. In screen 370 auser is enabled to determine the operation of the function buttons thatare adjacent to the ATM screen on the particular type of user interfaceon ATMs that will present the campaign. This includes, for example,enabling the operator to select which buttons will be operative toperform a function as well as which buttons the customer may operate tomove from the particular screen to a next screen. From screen 368, theoperator is enabled by selecting items in the coupon list, to view agraphics showing the coupons that will be presented. An example of adisplayed discount coupon for a beverage is shown in screen 372 shown inFIG. 46. This enables the operator to view the coupons, graphics, iconsand other materials that will be used as part of the campaign.

By selecting icon 356 from screen 350 shown in FIG. 41, an operator isenabled to display a screen 374 shown in greater detail in FIG. 47.Screen 374 enables the operator to display selected graphicpresentations as part of the campaign. In addition, from screen 374, theexemplary system enables the operator to view graphics which areavailable in the computer or in connected computers being used toprovide presentations which will be part of the campaign. Viewing theavailable graphics facilitates making the decision on whether to addthem to the campaign. By selecting screen graphics in screen 374, theoperator determines which graphics will be included in the presentationmaterials downloaded to the self-service terminals.

Selection of icon 358 in screen 350 causes the system of the exemplaryembodiment to display a screen 376. Screen 376 which is shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 48 enables the operator of the system to selectpresentations which include video files and to include thesepresentations as part of the campaign. The operator from screen 376 isenabled to review available video files and to select them for purposesof inclusion in the campaign. The operator's decision to include a videofile in response to the options in screen 76 will result in thatparticular file being downloaded to the ATMs as part of the presentationmaterials through operation of the computer. When making selections fromthe screen 376, including by selecting the “play” icon, an operator isenabled to display the video that they are considering adding to theircampaign. This is done in the exemplary embodiment through a screen 380which is shown in FIG. 49. Screen 380 includes a timer which enables theoperator to evaluate the video for proper length. In addition, bymanipulating the icons shown in FIG. 48 the operator is enabled toeffectively edit the presentations so as to tailor them to theparticular campaign desired.

By selecting icon 360 in screen 350 shown in FIG. 41, an operator isenabled to display a screen 382 which enables the user to configure alocal state on the ATM to enable presenting the particular campaign.Screen 382 is shown in detail in FIG. 50. Screen 382 shows the stateswhich are available to be configured into the logic flow so that thepresentations associated with the campaign can be appropriatelypresented. Screen 382 shows, for example, the local states associatedwith a particular function carried out by the ATM. This stateinformation is indicative of the particular operations being performedby the ATM during which there may be opportunities to presentpromotional presentations associated with a campaign. State informationmay also include special states of the type previously discussed whichare used in connection with selecting or presenting presentations. Theuser selects one of these groups of states from screen 382, which causesa state file feature screen 384, which is shown in FIG. 51, to bedisplayed. The state file feature screen enables a user to select theparticular local states that are to be added to enable the ATM topresent the marketing presentation materials in the manner desired bythe operator.

By selecting icon 362 in screen 350 shown in FIG. 41, a user is enabledto select local screens to be presented at the particular ATM. Selectionof icon 362 causes a screen 386 to be presented in the exemplaryembodiment. Screen 386 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 52. Screen 386enables the operator to select the local screen files which will bemodified or otherwise included on the ATM to enable the ATM to deliverthe presentation materials associated with the campaign. By selectingparticular screen files from screen 386, the system causes a screen 388shown in FIG. 53 to be displayed. Screen 388 enables the operator toselect a particular local screen file to be included in the ATMs onwhich the campaign is to be presented. This activity may include forexample configuring the terminal so that a particular presentation isoutput in place of a “please wait” screen while the terminal executesthe steps associated with a particular state.

It should be understood that while in the described embodiment, localstate and screen files may be downloaded to or configured in the ATMs toaccommodate particular marketing campaigns, in alternative embodimentsan agent or other software may operate to provide presentations withoutthe provision of special local states and screens. This may be done, forexample, as previously described by the agent opening and closinggraphic windows overlying or underlying the standard screens. Inaddition, presentations may be output using other approaches such as theuse of framing, screen within a screen, presentation of contrastingcolors for overlaid screens, or other appropriate approaches for theparticular campaign to enable the presentation materials to be presentedto a user while not interfering with the financial transactionauthorization functions of the ATM. Other types of outputs such as audiooutputs may also be included in presentations in some embodiments. Suchaudio presentations may or may not be accompanied by correspondinggraphical outputs. Numerous types of presentations may be providedthrough use of the present invention depending on the output and inputcapabilities of the terminals at which presentations are made.

From the main screen 266 a user is enabled to schedule availability ofcampaigns by selecting an icon 274. Selection of icon 274 causes ascreen 390 to be displayed. Screen 390 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 55. Screen 390 displays the campaigns, their descriptions and theircurrent status. The current status includes information as to whetherthe presentation materials, which must be loaded on to the ATMassociated with the campaign, have been delivered to the ATMs as well aswhether the presentation has been activated so that the campaigns areactually being presented. Current status may include informationreflecting that a campaign exists, but that its delivery and activationhave not been scheduled. Likewise, a status may indicate that deliveryof a particular campaign has been canceled. By selecting icons in screen390 an operator of the system is enabled to schedule delivery of aselected campaign or to cancel such delivery.

If an operator selects the appropriate icon to schedule a campaign fromscreen 390, the system causes a screen 392 to be displayed to a user.Screen 392 which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 56 enables a user tospecify the time and date that the presentation materials are to bedelivered to the ESD agents or other loading software associated withthe ATMs on which the campaign is to be run. As will be appreciated, acampaign cannot be presented to users until the presentation materialsare delivered. Often the operator will wish to schedule the delivery ofpresentation materials during off hours, particularly in thosesituations where a loading of such materials into memory willnecessitate taking the ATM out of service for a period of time.

As also shown in Screen 392, the user is enabled to set the time whenthe campaign is to be activated. The operator is enabled to set thistime based on the time locally where the server is located, oralternatively if the ATM (SST) is located in a different time zone, toschedule activation in accordance with a local time where the ATM islocated. This may be useful, for example, where campaigns must start andend on a particular day and it would be undesirable to have a campaignactivated early or late because the ATM is located in a different timezone from the market message server.

When the operator schedules delivery of a campaign, the operator isenabled to view information concerning the delivery and activation ofthe campaign through a screen 394. Screen 394 which is shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 57, shows the campaign name as well as where the campaignwill be delivered. This includes an indication of the group listing andthe number of ATMs in the group. Screen 394 also indicates the currenttime at the server. The screen also indicates the time when thepresentation materials are to be delivered as well as the time when theactivation of the campaign will occur. For the operator's conveniencethe system also calculates the timed delivery and timed activation ofthe campaign. By the operator selecting the view SST list icon in screen394, the operator is provided with a screen 396. Screen 396 shown indetail in FIG. 58, provides a listing of all the ATMs where the campaignwill be available to be presented.

The exemplary embodiment of the system enables an operator to reviewhistory information concerning campaigns. This may be done from the mainscreen 266 shown in FIG. 33 by selecting icon 280. In response thesystem causes a history screen 398 to be displayed. History screen 398which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 63, provides the operator witha history of the campaigns. From the history screen, the operator isenabled to cancel campaigns or to send campaigns to the waste basketfrom which they may be later recovered as previously described. Byselecting a view icon in screen 398, the system is operative to presenta screen 400 which provides an operator with information concerning aselected campaign, which is selected by highlighting a particularcampaign from the screen 398. Screen 400 is shown in detail in FIG. 64.Screen 400 provides a user with particular information concerning agiven campaign.

From the main screen 266 shown in FIG. 33, an operator is enabled toreview the campaigns for which presentation materials have been storedat any particular ATM. This is accomplished by selecting icon 280 whichcauses a screen 402 to be displayed. Screen 402 shown in FIG. 65,provides a listing of the particular terminals. Screen 402 also providesthe operator with information concerning when the last “snapshot,”“rollback” and file retrieval was conducted for the particular terminal.By selecting icons from screen 402 the operator is enabled to view thedistribution history of campaigns as well as to review other files whichshow results from the particular terminal. If a user elects to view thehistory of campaigns at the particular ATM, a screen 404 is presented.Screen 404 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 66. Screen 404 provides agraphical representation of the particular campaigns that have beendelivered and activated on that particular ATM over time.

The operator of the system is enabled to establish rules for access byauthorized operators of the software used to set up the marketingcampaigns. This is accomplished from screen 266 shown in FIG. 33 byselection of icon 286. Selection of icon 286 causes a screen 406 to bedisplayed. Screen 406 which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 83enables an authorized operator to review a listing of persons authorizedto access the system. From screen 406 the operator is enabled to add anddelete users from the system. The addition of authorized operators isaccomplished in response to selection of an appropriate icon from screen406 which causes a screen 408 to be displayed. Screen 408, which isshown in greater detail in FIG. 84, enables the administrator of thesystem to add new users as well as their passwords, and to define thelimits of the activities that they are permitted to conduct using thesystem.

As previously discussed, in an exemplary embodiment an ESD agentresident on an ATM terminal may be configured to capture data related tothe marketing campaigns and to return this data to the market messageserver for analysis. In embodiments of the invention, the ESD agent maybe operative to accumulate data concerning customer reactions tomarketing presentations such as the number and types of presentationsmade, and the number and types of coupons printed, and to periodicallyreport this data in messages to the market message server.Alternatively, the ESD agent may be operative to report each activityand/or response which is received from a customer so that the marketmessage server is relatively continuously updated concerning theeffectiveness of marketing campaigns. The ESD agent may reportactivities other than those handled by the 1:1 agent or alternativelymay be configured to report data related to all marketing activities.

In the exemplary embodiment, from the main screen 266 shown in FIG. 33,the operator is enabled to obtain reports for time periods concerningthe system. This is done by selecting on an icon 282 shown in FIG. 33.Selecting this icon in the exemplary embodiment causes a report screen410 to be displayed. The report screen 410 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 67. The report screen enables a user to select a time period ofinterest as well as to select totals of interest to the operator. Thesemay include, for example, information on the number and types of couponsthat have been dispensed by the ATMs. Alternatively the report mayinclude information on the number of presentations of videos or otherpromotional items that have been made to operators of ATMs within aselected time period. From screen 410 the operator may be presented withadditional screens which enable further analysis of various parameterswhich are indicative of marketing presentations and efforts that havebeen made by the system. This information may be analyzed, printed,exported to other systems or otherwise used for purposes of analysis ofthe system operation.

A further feature of the exemplary embodiment is the ability of the userto review the status of ongoing campaigns. This is accomplished from themain screen 266 by the operator selecting an icon 276. Selection of icon276 causes a snapshot/rollback/file retrieval screen 412 to bepresented. Screen 412, which is shown in detail in FIG. 59, shows alisting of retrieval, rollback and snapshot events which are scheduledby the system. The selection of an appropriate icon from screen 412causes screens associated with snapshot, rollback and retrieval eventsto be displayed.

An example of a snapshot screen is screen 414 shown in FIG. 60. Screen414 shows the snapshot parameters. Snapshot sends a message to an ATM tosave its marketing configuration parameters to a special directory. Thisenables the operator to view all the information concerning thepresentation materials that are resident on that terminal.

A screen 416 shown in FIG. 61 displays parameters to the operatorassociated with a rollback event. A rollback event sends a message to anATM to discontinue a current campaign. This may be done selectively on asingle terminal or may be accomplished for a group of terminals asdesired. A rollback can be scheduled or cancelled by the systemoperator.

Selection of a file retrieval event from screen 412 causes the system togenerate a file retrieval screen 417 shown in detail in FIG. 62. Thefile retrieval screen includes the listing of data which the operatormay select to retrieve from the ESD agents in the ATMs in each selecteddistribution list. The system may operate depending on its configurationto recover this data from the ATMs at a selected time. This is done insome embodiments by the market message server accessing the selectedterminals through a dial up or other intermittent connection to recoverdata therefrom. Alternatively, in systems where the ATMs report themarketing results in real time, such as through a generally continuousTCP/IP connection, retrieval information may be calculated by reviewingthe captured information stored in a database associated with the marketmessage server.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include thecapability for operators of the system to develop the marketingcampaigns that are specifically targeted to a user currently operatingan ATM terminal. This is accomplished through software which runs on themarketing server or other connected computer in the system. The softwarewhich provides this capability is referred to by the assignee of thepresent invention as Iq® CRM.

The software which enables setting up campaigns targeted to specificusers, causes the generation of screens which provide a graphical userinterface to operators setting up the system. This graphical userinterface may utilize logic and present screens similar to thosepreviously discussed in connection with the Iq® ESD software. Thefeatures already described which are useful for restricting access toappropriate operators, collecting and loading presentation materials andscheduling times and terminals by which campaigns may be delivered maybe included. Of course alternative or additional capabilities may beprovided. Alternatively, software may be provided which includes thecapabilities for setting up both general and targeted campaigns, loadingof presentations and necessary logic to terminals, controlling campaignsand analyzing results.

FIG. 85 shows an exemplary embodiment of an output screen 520. Screen520 is generated responsive to operation of the software used formarketing to a targeted user. Screen 520 is similar to screenspreviously discussed in that it includes listings of campaigns which canbe presented by the system. Screen 520 also lists the status of eachparticular campaign and a time that the campaign is scheduled fordelivery.

Screen 520 also includes a number of graphic icons 522. Icons 522 enablean operator of the system to review and/or populate data which is usedto direct marketing messages to specific users of the ATMs or othertransaction terminals used in the system. In the exemplary embodimentthe operator is enabled to select an icon which provides the operatorwith information on the definition of various market segments into whichcustomers may be categorized. These market segments with whichparticular customers may be associated are used to target the particularcampaigns to particular customers.

Other icons presented in screen 520 enable the operator to review andcomplete information about particular customers who are to receivepresentations from the system. The customer data may include thecustomer name and PAN or other identifying data. The customer data mayalso include other information about the customer as well as data whichcan be used to correlate the customer with other information. Theoperator is also enabled to select an icon associated with a “portfolio”on a given customer. This portfolio data may include data that is usefulin determining a particular market segment or segments in which aparticular customer may be categorized. It may also include informationabout presentations made to the customer, offers previously accepted ordeclined by the customer or other information which is usable by thesystem in deciding whether to present particular presentations to thecustomer.

The types of customer data which are included may be relatively limitedor extensive depending on the system. For example in some embodimentsdata concerning customers may include information about birth dates,anniversary dates, family relationships and other information which maybe useful in serving the customer. Screen 524 shown in FIG. 87 shows anexample of the capabilities of targeted marketing to a particular user.In this example the information concerning the customer includes a dateassociated with the customer's wedding anniversary. A few days beforethe customer's wedding anniversary and through the date thereof thecomputer may operate to cause a presentation like that shown in FIG. 87to be presented whenever the user operates an ATM connected to thesystem. In this way the user is less likely to forget their anniversary.The user is also presented with the opportunity to purchase a productwhich in this case includes a bouquet to be sent to the user's spouse.

In this example the system also includes sufficient information todirect the purchase appropriately if the customer elects to accept theoffer. The customer is provided with the convenience of charging thecost of the product to their particular account. This is achieved in theexemplary embodiment because the marketing system has the numberassociated with the user's account to which a charge may be assessed. Anaffirmative response by the user causes the system to send anappropriate message to a service provider to complete the customerpurchase. These may include providing the message concerning thepurchase to a human service provider through an administrativeworkstation. The human service provider can then complete the purchasefor the customer. Alternatively acceptance of the product offer mayresult in an appropriate electronic message being sent to a third partyservice provider such as a florist who can fulfill the purchase. Thismay be accomplished by linking the marketing server to other systems inother networks such as through the Internet. In this way the customer'sorder can be rapidly completed. In some exemplary embodiments thecustomer's acceptance of the offer is also recorded and the informationused in deciding whether to make additional presentations to thecustomer in the future. Of course screen 524 represents only one exampleof the capabilities of systems of the present invention.

The information stored in the system concerning particular customers mayalso include data representative of a selected marketing presentation tobe output to the customer the next time the customer operates an ATMconnected to the system. This may be done through operation of themarketing message server in advance of the customer's next transaction.In this way the next time the customer is identified at a terminalconnected to the system the particular presentation data is more readilyresolved. This reduces delays that might otherwise be associated withresolving this information through logic steps that are executed at thetime the customer appears.

Other capabilities of the exemplary system include the ability of anoperator to review and add products to the system which can be marketedthrough connected terminals. This information may include for exampleinformation about products and services and the presentations associatedtherewith. Product information may also include the logic stepsassociated with the system taking actions in response to the customer'sinputs in response to presentations. The product information may alsoinclude designs of graphics or other presentations associated withpromotions for the particular products. The capability to review,import, edit, and modify such presentations may also be included in thesystem as previously discussed.

Operators of the exemplary system are also enabled to design thecampaigns which are directed to particular users. In the exemplaryembodiment this is done through a visual programming technique which isrepresented by a screen 526 in FIG. 86. Screen 526 includes graphicalrepresentations of the displays, questions and prompts which areincluded in a presentation which is made to a customer. The programmingalso includes the particular time-out connection so that the marketingsession may terminate if the customer does not respond. This exemplaryvisual programming technique facilitates compilating the data andformulating the logic which makes up the presentation data included inmarketing response messages delivered by the server. As previouslydiscussed, campaigns may consist of a single presentation as representedin screen 526. Alternatively campaigns may consist of a group ofpresentations which may be presented to a customer at random or in aparticular ordered sequence as the customer makes successive visits toATMs connected to the system. As can be appreciated a variety of typesof presentations may be configured using the exemplary system.

The exemplary embodiment of the system also enables the operator toprovide targeted marketing messages on a priority basis to one or moreselected customers. Such priority messages may be provided by marketsegments or may be directed to an individual user. This is done throughselection of a “priority” icon represented in screen 520. By configuringinstructions associated with the priority icon an operator is enabled togive a message to particular designated users the next time the useroperates an ATM connected to the system. These particular prioritymessages interrupt a sequence of messages in a campaign that may be inthe process of being presented to the user. Generally after the prioritymessage or messages are given the current campaign to the user maycontinue upon the next ATM visit from the point of interruption, oralternative campaigns may be commenced depending on the configuration ofthe system.

An example of a priority message which may be desirable to give to acustomer may be the wedding anniversary presentation represented inscreen 524. Alternative types of priority promotions may include amessage that a user's certificate of deposit is about to expire and arenewal is required. Alternative priority types of presentations mayinvolve other products or situations that may be of particularimportance to a particular user or a particular group of users. Thisfeature of the exemplary embodiment of the system enables the operatorto insert these priority presentations and to have them presentedwithout disrupting the overall marketing operation of the system.

As also represented in connection with screen 520 the exemplary systemenables an operator to generate a plurality of reports. These reportsmay include reports including various statistics which can be generatedfrom the data available to the system. A report may include for examplesuccess rates associated with particular types of presentations. Reportsmay also include numbers and types of responses presented by particularusers or groups of users. The reports may also include information aboutmarket segment analysis and responses to particular presentations orcampaigns by customers within particular market segments or havingparticular circumstances. Reports may also analyze customer activitiesat particular machines or within particular geographical regions. Ananalysis may also be done on a time dependent basis to determine theresponse to particular campaigns or presentations at various times ofday. Numerous types of reports can be generated by the system and anoperator may configure the system to generate such reports either on aperiodic or on demand basis. As will be appreciated the exemplaryembodiment also has the capability to export data including report datato connected systems which enable advertisers, persons who have paymentobligations or a right to receive payment based on results, or otherpersons interested in the results, to analyze activities of the system.Of course other reporting capabilities which may be achieved through useof the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description.

It should be understood that the described embodiments of the operatorinterfaces, data structures and logic for distributing presentationmaterials, developing campaigns and analyzing results is exemplary.Other embodiments may utilize additional or different data, logic flowsand graphical presentations while achieving the functions of the presentinvention.

Thus the ATM customer marketing system of the exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention achieves the above-stated objectives, eliminatesdifficulties encountered in the use of prior devices, methods andsystems, and attains the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however, no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to thoseskilled in the art as capable of performing the recited function, andshall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown in theforegoing description or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and theadvantages and useful results attained, the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: (a) operating at least one processor that is inoperative connection with at least one input device, at least one outputdevice, a cash dispenser, and at least one communication device of anautomated banking machine, wherein the at least one input deviceincludes at least one card reader, wherein the at least one card readeris operative to read from a user card, card data usable to identify afinancial account of a machine user, wherein the at least one outputdevice includes a display and a receipt printer operative to provideprinted receipts corresponding to transactions conducted throughoperation of the machine, wherein the cash dispenser is operative todispense cash to machine users, to cause card data read by the at leastone card reader to be communicated from the machine to a first remotecomputer and to a second remote computer different from and not inoperative connection with the first remote computer; and (b) operatingthe at least one processor to cause the machine to carry out a cashdispensing transaction that includes operation of the cash dispenserresponsive at least in part to at least one communication received bythe machine from the second remote computer responsive at least in partto communication of the card data to the second remote computer in (a).2. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising: (c) operatingthe at least one processor to cause at least one output to be providedfrom the at least one output device, responsive at least in part to atleast one communication received by the machine from the first remotecomputer.
 3. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising: (c)operating the at least one processor to cause the at least one cardreader to read card data included in a magnetic stripe of a user card.4. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising: (c) operatingthe at least one processor to cause at least one message including datacorresponding to the card data and a request to conduct a cashdispensing transaction, to be communicated to the second remotecomputer.
 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least oneinput device is operative to receive inputs corresponding to a requestedtransaction type, and further comprising: (c) operating the at least oneprocessor to cause data corresponding to the requested transaction typeto be communicated to the second remote computer and not the firstremote computer.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at leastone processor includes a timing function, and further comprising: (c)operating the at least one processor responsive at least in part to thetiming function to determine a time since the card data read by the atleast one card reader was communicated from the machine to the firstremote computer; wherein the at least one processor is operative tocause the machine to take at least one action responsive at least inpart to the time having elapsed without the machine receiving at leastone communication from the first remote computer.
 7. A methodcomprising: (a) operating at least one reader device of an automatedtransaction machine to acquire identifying data from a magnetic stripeof a data bearing record presented by a machine user during a financialtransaction, wherein the machine is operative to communicate with afinancial transaction computer that is remotely located from themachine, wherein the machine is operative to communicate with adetermining computer that is remotely located from the machine and thefinancial transaction computer, wherein the machine is operative toconduct a financial transaction through communication with the financialtransaction computer independent of communication with the determiningcomputer; (b) operating the machine to cause a request message to besent to the determining computer, wherein the request message includesidentity data corresponding to the identifying data acquired in (a); (c)operating the determining computer to (ci) receive the request messagesent in (b), (cii) determine a response message responsive at least inpart to receiving the identity data, and (ciii) cause the responsemessage to be sent to the machine; and (d) operating the machine to (di)receive the response message sent in (ciii), and (dii) cause at leastone output corresponding to the response message received in (di), to bepresented to the machine user through at least one output device thatincludes a display device, wherein (a)-(d) are carried out prior toconclusion of the financial transaction.
 8. The method according toclaim 7 wherein the at least one reader device comprises a card reader,wherein the identity data corresponds to user identifying data, andwherein (a) includes operating the card reader to read the useridentifying data from a magnetic stripe of a user card.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 7 and further comprising: (e) operating thedetermining computer responsive at least in part to receiving theidentity data, to determine a marketing presentation to be output to themachine user; wherein the response message indicates the marketingpresentation.
 10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the marketingpresentation determined in (e) is a next marketing presentation in apredetermined sequence of marketing presentations to be output to themachine user, and wherein the response message indicates the nextmarketing presentation.
 11. The method according to claim 7 wherein themachine includes a cash dispenser, and further comprising: (e) operatingthe machine to cause the cash dispenser to dispense cash to the machineuser.
 12. The method according to claim 7 wherein during (a)-(d) thedetermining computer is not in operative connection with the financialtransaction computer.
 13. A method comprising: (a) operating adetermining computer that is operative to communicate with each of aplurality of automated transaction machines remotely located from thedetermining computer, to receive identifying data sent from a firstmachine of the plurality of machines, wherein the identifying datacorresponds to user data received from a first machine user attemptingto carry out a financial transaction that involves communication of thefirst machine with a financial transaction host computer which isremotely located from the machines and the determining computer and isnot in operative connection with the determining computer; (b) operatingthe determining computer to make a first machine-affecting determinationbased on the identifying data received in (a); and (c) operating thedetermining computer to cause determination data corresponding to thedetermination made in (b) to be sent to the first machine, wherein thedetermination data is operative to cause the first machine to output atleast one message to the first machine user prior to the financialtransaction being carried out.
 14. The method according to claim 13wherein the determining computer comprises a marketing computer, andwherein (b) includes operating the marketing computer to determine aparticular marketing presentation to be displayed to the first machineuser based on the identifying data received in (a).
 15. The methodaccording to claim 13 wherein the determination data corresponds toadvertising material to be presented to the first machine user, whereinin (c) the determination data is operative to cause the first machine todisplay the advertising material.
 16. The method according to claim 13wherein the determining computer comprises a marketing computer, andfurther comprising: (d) operating the first machine to conduct afinancial transaction through communication with the financialtransaction host computer independent of communication with themarketing computer.
 17. The method according to claim 13 and furthercomprising: (d) operating the first machine to conduct a financialtransaction through communication with the financial transaction hostcomputer independent of communication with the determining computer. 18.The method according to claim 13 and further comprising: (d) operatingthe first machine to conduct a financial transaction throughcommunication with the financial transaction host computer responsive atleast in part to communication with the determining computer.
 19. Themethod according to claim 13 wherein the first machine includes at leastone reader, and further comprising: (d) prior to (a), operating the atleast one reader to read the user data, wherein the user data is usableto identify a financial account of the first machine user.
 20. Themethod according to claim 13 wherein the determining computer isoperative to communicate with a plurality of automated transactionmachines that are each an ATM, wherein the first machine comprises afirst ATM including a cash dispenser, and further comprising: (d)operating the first ATM to cause the cash dispenser to dispense cash tothe first machine user.
 21. The method according to claim 13 wherein thefirst machine includes a plurality of transaction function devices,wherein the determining computer is operative to control whether or notthe first machine carries out at least one particular transactionfunction for the first machine user, wherein the at least one particulartransaction function includes operation of at least one of thetransaction function devices, wherein (b) includes operating thedetermining computer to determine whether or not the first machine isallowed to carry out the at least one particular transaction functionfor the first machine user.